Melvin D. Patterson

Melvin Delmer Patterson, 99, of Arkansas City, KS, passed away on Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2020 at Winfield Senior Living Community. 

Melvin was born on July 18, 1920, in Carmen, OK to Alvin and Esther (Silks) Patterson.   In 1941, he graduated from Garber, OK High School.  On March 5, 1944, he married Vera Vergia Lively at her sister’s home in Arkansas City.  

He drove trucks for Harry Grimes Oil Company and was a machinist for Cessna for five years.  He also drove concrete trucks for AC Concrete and Haines Concrete until his retirement.  

Melvin was an avid bowler and has carried the title of the oldest bowler in Arkansas City. He also loved to pitch horseshoes and was quite a competitor.  Melvin could also play the harmonica and was an avid collector of pocketknives. 

Melvin is survived by his 3 children:  Aletha J. Patterson of Rose Hill, KS, Joyce L. Schumacher and her husband, Robert of Blasdell, NY; Gary M. Patterson and wife Sue of Ponca City, OK; grandchildren, Kelli Nungesser, Lance Patterson, Ty Patterson, Melanie Scholl, Amanda Papaj, and Robert Schumacher, JR; great-grandchildren, Brandon Nungesser, Mathew Nungesser, Kylie Law, Hannah Schumacher, Robert Schumacher III,  David Schumacher, Danielle Patterson, Devin Patterson, Megan Patterson, Ashlee Patterson, Adam Patterson, Abigail Papaj, Autumn Papaj, Torri Scholl, Ryan Scholl and great-great granddaughter, Kaelan Saunders.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Donald; a sister, Erma and granddaughters, Kali Lynn Stewart, Trisha Ann Nungesser and the love of his life of nearly 70 years, Vera V. Patterson. 

A drive through visitation with viewing will be held on Thursday evening, April 30 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Shelley Family Funeral Home in Arkansas City.  Private family services will be held at Riverview Cemetery.  A memorial has been established with Winfield Senior Living Center.  Contributions may be left with the funeral home.  

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