Richard "Dick" Patterson

Richard Dale Patterson, 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 16th, 2022. He was born on November 15th, 1925, in Smithville, Ohio, and was the son of the late Glenn and Frances (Sparr) Patterson. He had three siblings, the late Robert Patterson, Glenna “Jean” Heilman, and William Patterson.

Richard, affectionately known as “Bumpa” to his family and “Dick” to his friends, served his nation in WWII in the 99th Infantry Division, U.S. Army. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Sharpshooter Badge, among other awards. Captured in the Battle of the Bulge, he spent over five months in German P.O.W. camps. In 2014, he and his family made the trip back to Bastogne, Belgium, and the Ardennes to visit the Battle of the Bulge battle sites that he participated in.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Erva Jean Burns Patterson, whom he married on October 12, 1947. He is survived by four children, Michael (Mary) Patterson, Dr. Jane Ziegler, Dr. James (Pamela) Patterson, David (Denise) Patterson; and grandchildren, Brooke, Brian, Katherine (Gruettner), Matthew, Beatrice (Weiler), Sarah (Fitzpatrick), Amanda, and Jennie (Ziegler); and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by grandson Jason Patterson and son-in-law Stephen Ziegler.

Richard owned Patterson and Sons, Inc., with his father and brother Robert for many years. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, the American Legion, the American Ex-Prisoners of War Association, and the Battle of the Bulge Association. For over 20 years, he volunteered for the AARP helping the community with income taxes. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards with his friends, and spending time with his devoted family. In earlier years, he was an avid hunter, fisherman, boater, and water-skier.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday, April 23rd, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Christ United Methodist Church, 1140 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805 with Reverend Tom Snyder officiating. Interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery where the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Friends may call, Friday, April 22nd, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home, and on Saturday, April 23rd, at Christ United Methodist at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, Homeward Bound Dog Shelter of Ashland County, Ashland County Park District, or a charity of donor’s choice.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.