John Lewis Patterson

John Lewis Patterson, 86, of Creston, and formerly of Savannah, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, at Greater Regional Health in Creston. A celebration of life service will be held at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home, Savannah, Missouri 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20th. Family will receive visitors at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home on Monday, Aug. 19th, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will follow at Forbes Cemetery in Forbes, Missouri. Memorial contribution can be made to Children and Family Center at 1220 E. 2nd St. Maryville, MO 64468.

He was born Aug. 24, 1932, in Andrew County, Missouri to Carl and Ruby (Martie) Patterson.

He married Erma Bower on June 14, 1952, in Savannah,and she preceded him in death in 2009.

John cherished his family and the precious time he spent with them. He had a career with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad from 1952 through September 1987. John was a strong man of dignity and respect. He enjoyed hard work, gardening, wood working, fishing, camping and traveling to the mountains. As a grandpa, he was known as Papa, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. In the evenings, he would listen to old country music with his daughter. He was also a big fan of his Iowa Hawkeyes.

Survivors include his daughter Susan Kosman of the home; granddaughter Meghann Kosman of Maryville, Missouri; his sister Mary Smith of Savannah, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, wife, grandson, James Kosman; son-in-law, Michael Kosman; brothers, Lloyd Patterson, Ernest “Pat” Patterson, and Harold Patterson.