Kirby Patterson

JONESBORO, Ill. -- Kirby L. Patterson, 80, of Jonesboro died at 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 29, 1933, in Cobden, Ill., son of James "Bert" and Alma Williams Patterson. Kirby married Geraldine Tibbs on March 8, 1953.

Kirby graduated from Cobden High School in 1950, then joined the U.S. Air Force, proudly serving our country for 20 years. He served a year tour of duty in Vietnam during wartime 1968 to 1969, also three years in France, 18 months in Tripoli and 12 years at the Pentagon. Upon discharge in 1972, Senior Master Sgt. Patterson went to work as a carpenter, owned and operated Patterson Construction, then later with John Hamm constructing many homes in the Carbondale, Ill., area until his retirement in 1998.

He was a member of Community Faith Church.

He is survived by his wife, Geri Patterson of Jonesboro; two daughters, Pam Patterson of Anna, Ill., and Debbie (Cliff) Bryan, all of Jonesboro; two sons, Kirby (Donna) Patterson and James Patterson, all of Anna; he was Poppy to his grandchildren, Lane (Ashley) Patterson, Lindsey Patterson, Hannah Patterson, Anthony Patterson, Tristan Patterson and Diana Patterson; sister, Joyce Casper of Gurnee, Ill.; brother, Richard (Marilynn) Patterson of Cobden; sister-in-law, Jane Patterson of Atlanta; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alma Patterson; brother, Robert Patterson; sister, Julia Patterson; son, Ronnie Patterson; brother-in-law, Frank Casper.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Anna.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bon Reynolds and the Rev. Richard Reynolds officiating. Interment will be in Casper Cemetery, with military honors by Scott Air Force Base and Carroll P. Foster VFW Post 3455.

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