Gerald Dean Patterson

Gerald “Jerry” Dean Patterson was born March 24, 1941 to Louis “JR” Patterson, Jr. and Annie Bird Loftin.  He was born and raised in Navasota, TX and was fondly called “Sonny” by family. Gerald served as a staff sergeant in the Air Force during the Korean War and earned several medals, including the Korean Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship (Sharpshooter) Badge, and Longevity Medal. He attended Henry Ford Junior College and, later, extension courses through Texas A&M.  While in the Air Force he took correspondence classes with the University of Maryland (general studies and business administration) as well earned his certification with the Cincinnati Lighting Institute. The bulk of Gerald’s professional career was his 30 years with Houston Lighting and Power, Co. (HL&P), where he started as an electrical apprentice and eventually worked his way up to maintenance supervisor.  Gerald was a lifetime member of the VFW and a member of the American Legion in Burton. He was both a Master Mason in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and a Shriner for over 50 years. He served as Master of the East Bernard Masonic Lodge.  Gerald’s biggest accomplishment and source of joy, though, was his 57 years of marriage to the late Nancy Rachel Carr of Dearborn, MI.  They raised two sons, Richard Dean and Gregory Alan, in Bellaire, TX.  After their retirement, Gerald and Nancy moved to land in Burton, TX where they loved hosting their grandchildren. The couple traveled extensively and repeatedly visited their favorite place, Kaua’i.  Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, sister Louise “Pete,” brother Billy, and beloved wife Nancy. He is survived by two sons (Richard Patterson of Houston, TX and Greg Patterson with wife April, of Houston, TX), 3 grandchildren (Aaron Patterson with wife Bri of Lufkin, TX; Grant Patterson of Lafayette, LA; and Natalie Rose Nall of Houston, TX), and 1 great-grandchild (Blake Avery Patterson of Kyle, TX).  

A memorial service is to be held on June 1st, 2024, at 2:00 pm at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Burton, TX, where the Burton American Legion will present honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in Gerald’s memory to the Brenham Animal Shelter.