Obituary of Gerald Marshall Patterson

Gerald Marshall Patterson March 01, 1933 - May 08, 2016 Gerald Marshall Patterson, 83 of El Lago, Texas passed away peaceful in his sleep on May 8, 2016. “Jerry” was born on March 1, 1933 in Goose Creek, Texas but lived most of his life in Beaumont, Texas. He graduated from South Park High School, Beaumont, 1950. He was in the United States ARMY from 1953-1955. He served with the 25th Infantry Division in Korea and was stationed in Hawaii at the time of his honorable discharge. In 1955 he returned to his home in Beaumont, Texas where he attended Lamar University and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree of Mathematics in 1960. In efforts to overcome his childhood shyness, in 1972, he took the Dale Carnegie course in self-improvement, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. He spent many years traveling to Dale Carnegie conventions and competing in public speaking competitions. He was always very proud to say….”I had quite a few winning speeches”. He was a Dale Carnegie lifetime member. Jerry became quite the conversationalist and loved telling stories. He had an amazing memory he could tell you about his 5th birthday party or how much he paid for his lawn mower in 1960….plus tax. He worked for the Beaumont post office for 35 years, he retired in 1992. In July 1993 He married Bonner Weir Brown of Beaumont Texas. In 1998, Jerry and Bonner moved to El Lago, Texas to be closer to family. They took gardening courses together and became members of the Galveston County Master Gardeners. He loved attending Clear Lake Methodist Church, volunteering at the local Master Gardener’s extension office, working in the yard, walking the dogs, watching football and going to lunch with “the guys” at the grill every Tuesday. He is preceded in death by parents Henry B. "Pat" and Audrey Marsh Patterson of Beaumont, his Brother Henry B. Jr. and sister-in-law Nancy Trice Patterson of Houston. Jerry was survived by his wife Bonner Weir Patterson, daughter Marra Gunnells and son-in law Del Gunnells, Grandsons Cole and Reid Gunnells, Daughter Dabney Davis, Grandson Cody Davis and wife Ashley Davis, Great-grandsons Braxton and Mason Davis, Grandson Michael Davis and wife Jessica Davis, Great-grandsons’ Brayden and Wyatt Davis, Brother Sidney Patterson and wife Janet Patterson, Sister Patricia Patterson O'Neal and husband Donald O'Neal, Sister Lois Patterson Morin and husband Tom Morin and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at Clear Lake Methodist Church 16335 El Camino Real Houston, TX 77062, May 23, 2016 at 10:00AM.