Thomas Michael “Mike” Patterson, age 80, of Wellston, passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, April 16, 2015, following an unexpected illness. He was born September 25, 1934 in Wellston, Ohio, to the late Thomas Ray Patterson and Ernestine Kelley Patterson.
Mike lived his entire life in Wellston. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School and graduated from Wellston High School in 1952. He was very proud to have played on the 1951 undefeated championship Wellston Rocket football team.
Mike retired from the United States Postal Service and was a mail carrier in Wellston for 35 years. Following his retirement, he was employed by Gorsuch Management as a maintenance technician for HUD Housing until his recent illness.
Mike was a member of the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston and was involved with the church his entire life. He enjoyed league bowling for many years, along with rooting for the Browns, the Fighting Irish and the Wellston Golden Rockets. Mike might have been color blind, but he still hated the scarlet and gray.
Mike loved music of all kinds, especially his opera. He was a friend to everyone he met and would help anyone in need and did so time and time again. Above all, he loved and cared for his family. His absence will be keenly felt by his community, countless friends and most of all, his family. Mike was one of a kind, and his unique spirit lives on forever through his family.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela Riggs Patterson; children, Teny (Mike) McKinney, Charlotte (Bruce) Conley, Suzy (Rod) Perkins, Peggy (Rob) Williams, Kevin Patterson, Kelley Patterson and Colin Patterson. He was also much more than a step-father to Melanie Waldron, Carrie Waldron, Matt (Meredith) Waldron, Kimmy (Jason Cassarly) Waldron, Noah (Nicole) Waldron, Holly (Jason Robertson) Waldron and Jake Waldron.
He is also survived by brother, Pete (Peachy) Patterson and sister, Janice Della Flora, as well as innumerable grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Besides his parents, Mike was preceded in death by wives, Sue Johnston Patterson and Connie Burns Patterson Gregory, and his daughter, Carrie Patterson.
In keeping with Mike’s wishes, his body was given as a gift of donation to The Ohio State University College of Medicine. A memorial mass will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston with Father Donald Maroon officiating. The family would like to invite everyone to an Irish Wake, in honor of Mike, on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at the Wellston Depot.
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate memorial contributions in Mike’s name be given to the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School tuition assistance fund, c/o of 227 South New York Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com