Joseph Lee Patterson passed away Monday, June 23rd at his home in Lebanon, Ill.
Born January 2, 1933, to Helen and E.D. Patterson in Tyler, Texas, Joe grew up with the love of fishing and hunting on his grandparents’ farm. The family moved to Beaumont, Texas in 1940, where he developed a love for model airplanes and flew them in local and national contests.
While aviation was a hobby and a passion, his second love was baseball, a sport he played through his school years, during his time in the Army, and in the local church league. After graduating from Beaumont High School, Joe received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lamar University and a Master’s in Industrial Engineering from the University of Missouri.
He married Mildred Anne Swearengen in 1960 and they had two boys, Randy and Brad. Their first home was in Mexico, Mo., where their oldest son was born. Soon after, they headed south to Texas and settled in the house where they would raise their two sons and call home for the next 62 years.
Joe had a strong faith, maintaining a lifelong devotion and service to the church. As an industrial engineer, his professional career spanned four decades, culminating in professorship at University of Texas Arlington where he nurtured a new generation of industrial engineers.
An avid outdoorsman, Joe passed that love on to his sons taking them camping every summer. Fishing was that special event that he and his boys would do together, whether at the local lake, a stream in the mountains, or on trips to Canada; each trip a cherished memory. He was a lifelong tennis player, and he loved baseball/fast-pitch softball.
Joe had a gentle heart and demonstrated that kindness isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. He made sure that his family knew how to listen, how to care for others, and how to be humble in everything they do. His quiet love was the backbone of his family. Joe knew the value of hard work, but also the importance of dreaming big.
Joe is survived by his two sons: Randy Patterson (Tammi), and Brad Patterson, four grandchildren: Meghann Trottier (Matthew), Tyler Patterson (Alaina), Delaney Patterson, and Gillian Patterson, and three great-grandchildren: Walter, Wyatt, and William. He is also survived by his beloved brothers Wayne Patterson and Danny Patterson (Paula).
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, starting at 9 a.m. at Garner Funeral Home, 315 N. Vine St., Monroe City, Mo. followed by graveside committal service 10 a.m. at St. Jude Cemetery in Monroe City. https://www.garnerfuneralchapel.com/
Arrangements by Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill. and Garner Funeral Home, Monroe City, Mo.
