Joseph David Patterson

Joseph David Patterson was born in Clinton, Illinois, June 21, 1932, the son of Edith Lagertie Chapman Patterson and Charles Patterson. The youngest of eight children, Joseph was one of the best high school basketball players, in Illinois history, playing for the Clinton Maroons.

He graduated high school in the early 1950’s and went to work for the Illinois Central Railroad. He met his lifelong partner, Imogene Ellen Howard, in Clinton, and they were married September 8, 1952. He was completely devoted to Imogene and  lovingly called her his “little red head” and gave her the nickname “Sweet Petunia”.

Mr. Patterson was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, building contractor and minister. His greatest joy in life was going door to door as a bible educator. He was a gregarious man who loved people and never met a stranger. He loved to share about his faith with others. He was a minister who gave of himself without any compensation.

He was a generous provider who made sure his children were well traveled and educated. A lot of family trips revolved around religious conventions. Mr. Patterson was  very philanthropic and remained humble and anonymous.

He was a hard worker who enjoyed building homes and literally whistled while he worked. Joseph was deeply devoted to his heavenly father Jehovah God and his son

Jesus and he dedicated his life to him. In 1952, he refused military service because of the command Jesus gave to “Love One Another” and so he went to Dixon, Illinois for 2 years where he and his bride Imogene worked in a mental facility assisting the patients.

Mr. Patterson became an ordained minister in Paris, Illinois in 1958 and he and his wife raised two sons there. Their sons, Ronal Joe Patterson of Hendersonville, NC and Kevin Lee Patterson of Stuart, FL maintain the same spiritual belief and faith that their loving parents instilled in them.

After moving to Vero Beach, FL in 1979, Joseph and his wife Imogene devoted 90 hours a month preaching door to door to the people of the community and helped people to appreciate their loving heavenly Father and what He promises for the human family in the future under His Kingdom. (Ps 37: 10, 11, 29 Rev. 21:3,4, Isaiah 33:24)

The Patterson’s continued to minister in Florida for many years. In 1995 they relocated to Hendersonville, NC and continued their service to their grand creator.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers; one sister; and his beloved wife, Imogene, who passed in 2017.

Surviving Mr. Patterson are his sons, Ronal Joe Patterson and wife Carina of Hendersonville, NC and Kevin Lee Patterson and wife Susan of Stuart, Fl; grandchildren, Kyle, Cameron, and Carston Patterson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joseph knew that if he should fall asleep in death that Almighty God had the power to resurrect him to a perfect paradise earth. (Acts 24: 15….John 5:28, 29) He was not afraid of death even though the Bible taught that death is our greatest enemy. (1 Cor. 15:26) He knew that the Bible taught that death is likened to sleep just like Lazarus who was in the grave. He was confident that when it is God’s time to awaken him he will “come out” of the memorial tomb as Lazarus did. He was aware this was a promise made by Jesus himself. He knew it would happen under God’s Kingdom, the one he prayed for in the Lord’s Prayer.

(Mat. 6:9, 10) He knew where he would be while sleeping in the grave and what the Bible taught about death. (Eccl. 9:5, 10) (Job 14:13) Such strong faith in God’s promises sustained him during his life and the agonizing struggle he suffered at the end of his life.

As a family, we are grateful for the loving support rendered by friends, family, and those that truly cared.

A memorial service remembering our dear father and friend will be held on December 8, 2019 in Etowah, NC. The family respectfully asks that they be contacted for more information about the service.

Asheville Mortuary Services are honored to be assisting the Patterson family with arrangements.

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