River Eagle founder Gene Patterson dies

Gene H. Patterson, 73, president and CEO of River Eagle Distributing of Cape Girardeau, died Tuesday at Saint Francis Medical Center.

According to his son, Shawn Patterson, his business philosophy was, "Kill them with kindness. They may not drink your beer, but don't give them a reason not to drink your beer."

According to Shawn Patterson, his father became the general manager of Thilenius Distributing in 1980. In 1990, he bought the business and founded River Eagle Distributing. The company distributes Anheuser Busch products, Monster energy drinks and other beverages to Cape Girardeau, Bollinger and Perry Counties and parts of Scott and Stoddard counties.

Shawn Patterson, along with his brothers Kevin and Colin, later joined the company. They will continue to run it after their father's death.

"We learned a lot from him and his business work ethics and business philosophy," Patterson said.

He said it will be hard to fill his father's shoes and there is a lot of sadness, from employees to customers.

"It is hard to describe the impact of family businesses and what they do," Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce CEO John Mehner said. "Strong local family-run operations are exactly what you want a bunch of in your community."

Mehner said Gene Patterson had been active in the Chamber of Commerce at various levels in the past. He described Patterson as hard-working and family oriented.

In addition to his work in the distributing business, Patterson was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 1111, Thomas A. Langen Assembly, Fourth Degree, Elks Lodge No. 639 and Eagles Aerie No. 3775.