Gene Patterson

Gene H. Patterson, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

He was born Nov. 15, 1938, in Hayti, Mo., to G.W. and Christine Homer Patterson. He and Yvonne DeLisle were married March 30, 1964, at Portageville, Mo.

Gene was a graduate of Hayti High School. He was president and CEO of River Eagle Distributing. Gene loved spending time with his grandkids and was an avid Cardinals fan.

He was a member of Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 1111, Thomas A. Langen Assembly, Fourth Degree, Elks Lodge 639 and Eagles Aerie 3775.

Survivors include his wife, Yvonne Patterson of Cape Girardeau; three sons, Shawn Patterson and wife Kate, Kevin Patterson and wife Keiki, and Colin Patterson and wife Kelly, all of Cape Girardeau; six grandchildren, Scarlett and Griffin Patterson, Mackenzie and Nathan Patterson, and Casey and Sarah Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. An Elks service will be held at 5 p.m. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m., with K.C. rosary immediately following.

Memorial Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Old St. Vincent's Church, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Gene's granddaughter, Scarlett, shares: "Jesus is so lucky. He now gets to hang out with Pawpa all day, every day. Smile, because that's what Pawpa would want. We're lucky we have an angel watching over us from now on."

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.