Don R. Patterson

Don R. Patterson, 82, of Carlsbad, NM, passed away Friday, August 22, 2014 at his daughter's home in Anton, TX. Visitation will be 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM, Sunday, August 24, 2014 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, August 25, 2014, 2:00 PM at Fox and Lake Church of Christ with Philip Lairson officiating. Internment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Denton-Wood is in charge of the arrangements. Donald Ray Patterson was born December 4, 1931 in Big Springs, TX to Jake and Gladys (Long) Patterson. Don served in the US Army as a scout for the 40th Recon. Co. in the Korean War from 1951-1954. He married LaVerne Finsterwald on July 28, 1956. Don worked in several jobs for the City of Carlsbad that included the State Health Dept. In 1987, he was named Administrator for the City of Carlsbad, a job he held until he retired in 1995. During that time, Don worked tirelessly in earning numerous improvement grants for the city he loved so much. He received great satisfaction in serving with the Carlsbad Lions Club for a number of years. He enjoyed helping and serving others and spending time with family and friends. He especially loved his role as "Grandad" to his treasured grandchildren. He was honored to serve as an elder at Fox & Lake Church of Christ for a number of years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gene Patterson. Survivors include his wife, LaVerne Patterson of Carlsbad; daughters: Donava Seales and husband, Larry of Anton, TX, Sherri Gossett and husband, Bucky of Anton, TX; Lisa Muoz and husband, Chuck of Tyler, TX; grandchildren: Jarrad Seales, Ryan Seales, Lauren Seales, Jason Seales, Lisa Sanmann, Amy Gossett, Jake Gossett, Melissa Muoz and Jennifer Muoz. Pallbearers will Jarrad Seales, Ryan Seales, Jake Gossett, Travis Watson, Tom Foutch and Rick McKean. Honorary Pallbearers: Chris Bertola, D.A. Cochran, Joe Rose, Dale McKean, Jim Garner, Jim Runkle, Rudy Muoz and the Elders of Fox and Lake. Memorial contributions may be made to: New Mexico Christian Children's Home, 1356 NM 236, Portales NM 88130 or Lakeview Christian Home. 1905 W. Pierce Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.