Richard Patterson

Richard A. Patterson, 81, of Bryan, Texas, passed away March 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Conroe, Texas on November 13, 1942, Richard graduated from Stephen F. Austin University in 1965. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from Beaumont, Texas in 1967 to the Security Division Correy Field during the Vietnam War, with an Honorable Discharge in 1972 with the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

He then went on to work for Union Pacific Resources at the oil and gas plant in Conroe, Texas and transferred to finish out his career in Bryan, Texas in 2003, at least for the first time. He had a challenging time not having enough to do, so he “retired” a few more times throughout the next couple of years and “officially” decided to retire in 2010 to “Uber” his grandchildren everywhere.

Richard was a member of Central Baptist Church and was also a Mason. He loved hunting, fishing, and sports – especially baseball with one of his favorite teams being the Houston Astros. He enjoyed coaching his son in baseball and playing himself well into his 50’s. He was such a proud grandfather who always looked forward to watching his grandson play baseball and his granddaughters play volleyball or any activity in which they were involved.

He was strong-willed, loyal and a devoted husband, father, brother-in-law, Papa, and friend. There was nothing he would not have done for his family or friends, including never being afraid to give you, his opinion. He had such an enthusiastic sense of humor and was the best joke and storyteller you could have met. GOD blessed us all with having him be a part of our lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Maurice and Agnes Musgrove Patterson; sister, Gayle Patterson; and granddaughters, Emma Bledsoe and Camden Bledsoe.

Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty Patterson; daughter, Debby Nash, husband Jeff, and their children Darby and Haley; daughter, Tricia Bledsoe, husband Lance, their son Colton and his wife Kaitlyn, and great grandson, Cinch; and son, Wesley Patterson, wife Cindy, children, Andrea Richardson; Lauren and Mike Trussel, and their children, Wynter and Brooklyn. 

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations in Richard’s honor to either Hospice Brazos Valley (hospicebv.org/donate) or The Robert Conte Foundation (robertcontefoundation.org).

Finally, the family would like to thank the entire staff and the amazing care team at Traditions Hospice (special recognition to Von, Amy, Gabriel, Linda, Brad, and Rick).