Lt. Col. Jerry Ray Patterson

Jerry Ray Patterson, 88, of Alburtis, died peacefully Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Atrium of Allentown, where he was a resident for one year.  He was the loving husband of Jeanie F. (Trimmer) Patterson.  They were married May 6, 1956, and had just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.  Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, Jerry was the son of James S. and Verna M. (Leach) Patterson.  He was a member of Morning Star Fellowship, Bechtelsville.

Jerry honorably and faithfully served our country as a career soldier in the United States Army, from 1956 to 1986. He was stationed in France and Italy, served abroad in Korea, and fought in Vietnam. Jeanie and daughters followed him to several of those overseas assignments and were a great support to him during these years. Jerry retired after 30 years of service as Lieutenant Colonel, last stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, where he served as Adjutant General. He was a man who loved his country.

Jerry was a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a Bachelor's degree in business administration in 1963 so that he could be commissioned as an officer.
Jerry was most known and loved for his quick wit and ready sense of humor that he maintained until his dying day. He was a true cowboy from Oklahoma and often recognizable in his cowboy boots, cowboy hats, leather vests, big belt buckles, and bolo ties. He loved his Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. Jerry also enjoyed aviation, was a private pilot, and was an officer of Civil Air Patrol. He enjoyed woodworking, classic cars, and attending car shows. But most of all, Jerry deeply loved his three daughters and thoroughly enjoyed being 'Papa" to his grandchildren and great grandchildren in his well-earned retirement.

Jerry is survived by his wife Jeanie of 68 years; three daughters: Tami Lynn (Patterson) Catania, Reston, VA; Valerie Ann (Patterson), wife of Robin R. Jarvis, Treasure Beach, Jamaica; Rebecca Kay (Patterson) widow of Charles D. Murphy, Westminster, CO.  Other survivors include 17 grandchildren; Jonathan Catania, Matthew Davies, Joy (Catania) Truitt, Mark Davies, Hannah (Davies) Tilton, Caleb Patterson-Murphy, Julie Catania, Jesse Davies, Samuel Murphy, Tabitha (Davies) Rand, Maggie (Murphy) Smith, Leanna Davies, Levi Davies, Elizabeth (Davies) Meyers, Joel Murphy, Moriah (Davies) Diaz, Melody Davies; and 24 great grandchildren: Seth, Sam, Grace, Elijah, Tirzah, Liam, Jessica, Gavrielle, Sarah, Josephine, Anna Maria, Chloe, Jossalyn, Avigale Jean, Daniel, Maximus, Lydia, Felicity, Elliott, Alexander, Emmett, Jonah, Luna, Clyde; In addition to his parents, Jerry was predeceased by a sister, Annabelle (Patterson) Shingler, and his grandson, Luke Davies.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Jerry's life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 25 East Weis Street, Topton, with The Reverend Matthew A. Davies, officiating.  Interment, with military honors provided by The United States Army and Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion Honor Guard, Topton, PA, will follow in Rauch-Hertzog Division of Huff Union Church Cemetery, Alburtis. A public viewing will be held prior to the funeral, Saturday, June 1, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home.

Flowers may be sent, or contributions be considered in Jerry's memory to: St Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Tunnels to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306; Mercy Ships, Post Office Box 2020, Garden Valley, TX 75771.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., managing arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com

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