Russell L. Patterson

Russell Leo Patterson, a longtime resident of Prue was born January 15, 1936 in Searcy County, Arkansas to Jeff and Velma (Watts) Patterson. As a young child Russell moved with his family to the Prue Area. Russell attended school in Prue where he later graduated in 1955. After high school Russell began working for National Tank in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. On May 2, 1958 Russell was united in marriage to Vera Christine (Yarbrough) in Wildhorse, Oklahoma and to this union there are three children; Terry, Chrissie and Robin. Russell worked for National Tank for over 12 years before accepting employment with Sheffield Steel in Sand Springs. Russell began with Sheffield as a crane operator and upon his retirement was the Inspector. In 1985 Russell was forced into retirement after 13 years due to medical reasons.

After Russell retired this let him do the things that he loved most; traveling to rodeos with his son Terry, helping kids with the FFA and 4H projects, traveling to the local ball games and tending to his cattle and horses. But most of all retirement allowed Russell to spend quality time with his family and friends that he loved dearly. Russell could never pass up to attend an auction. While going to these auctions Russell had a weakness that he never would come home empty handed, even if it was just a load of broken bicycles.

Russell enjoyed traveling Russell and Vera would go to Branson, Hot Springs to the horse races or back to where he was born to visit. You could always count on Russell for Saturday morning breakfast at either Judy Annís or the Hickory House to visit with his friends or to just flirt with the waitresses. Russell was a man that if you needed anything he would help you out no matter what your situation was. He was a member of Assembly of God Church in Prue as well as active in the Lions Club. Russell was a former member of the Prue School Board for one term. Russell knew his time was near he had one wish for his family to be with him at that time.

Russell passed away at his home with his family at his bedside Friday morning November 25, 2005 in Prue, Oklahoma at the age of 69 years 10 months and 10 days. He was preceded in death by his parents Jeff and Velma Patterson and one brother Jeff Junior Patterson.

Survived by his loving wife of over 47 years Vera of the home; three children Terry Patterson of Prue, Oklahoma; Chrissie Clark of Prue, Oklahoma; Robin Patterson of Prue, Oklahoma; two brothers, Thaddaus Patterson of Forsyth, Missouri; Jerry Patterson of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; two sisters, Rebecca Kirby of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Lora Hanson of Saint George, Utah; five grandchildren, Brandy Patterson of Sperry, Oklahoma; Andrea Bradley of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; Teri Lynn Surrett of Prue, Oklahoma; Whitney Patterson of Prue, Oklahoma; Bobby Patterson of Prue, Oklahoma; six great grandchildren and a host of other friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 28, 2005 at 2:00 pm in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Garry McDevitt and Rev. Bill Lay officiating. Burial will be at the Prue Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.