Coach Ken Patterson, age 86, was freed from everything that hinders on Wednesday morning, November 9, 2022, having run the race with perseverance and having fixed his eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
He was born in Roby, Texas to Joseph and Renvie (Floyd) Patterson, grew up in Munday, Texas, and graduated from Howard Payne University, where he met and married Judy Lind Bell of Stephenville on May 12, 1962.
His life is the story of God’s faithfulness through generations of family; the impact that one life can have, and the exponential growth that can result from a life of faithful obedience to the Lord.
This is what he wrote of his parents:
“The lessons that parents teach us prepare us for times like this. My parents’ love, patience, determination, and Christian lives have given me the strength to endure.
Dad, you introduced me to my Heavenly Father. You have shown me by your expressions and your example how to give my burdens to God. I have witnessed you as you have gone to Him, given God your deepest concerns, and walked back with confidence, assurance, peace of mind, and a smile. Dad, you taught me that a close fellowship with God gives us a keen sense of time for all things. From you I learned that God prepares us as Christians to seek His will and to sense the time for His will to be done, and nothing need be voiced aloud. You helped me know what to look for, how to seek God’s will, and how to share the deepest bond of God’s love with Judy and my children. I thank God for you, Dad, for your help, and for the beautiful way you exemplified Christ’s life.
Mother, you were the one who led me as a young child to the Lord and introduced me to the salvation of Jesus Christ. That day I will never forget, for that lesson was the greatest gift of all. Yours was a lesson that prepared me for these days. I have no fear, for God is with me; I have hope, for Jesus Christ died so that we, like Judy, would live eternally. A mother’s love for her son can be no greater than your love for me. I thank God for you, Mother, and your witness.”
Countless times through the years his words and actions have exemplified Christ for his family, co-workers, church, community, and the students he taught and coached, who are now impacting countless others. Whether he was making someone smile with his remarks and attention, helping someone in need, or daily sharing life-changing truth, he made a difference to those he met. These are a few recent thoughts from those who knew him:
“He helped make me the person I am today.”
“He was a sweet, funny, and mischievous man. He will be missed by many.”
“My all time favorite coach. He was a great example to follow.”
“He was a great man. I thought the world of him.”
“He was a wonderful man who really cared about others.”
“Coach was a great man and a positive influence of a Christian man to a lot of us.”
“He really motivated and inspired me.”
“He was a great man and holds a special place in my heart.”
“He meant the world to me and made such a difference in my life.”
Kenneth is survived by two sisters- Mauriece Doyle and Shirley Rhame, his son Brad and his wife Lori, his daughter Vonda and her husband Larry, four grandchildren- Miranda, David, Lindy, and Laney, five great grandchildren, and beloved nieces, nephews, an aunt, and cousins.
Please join us in celebrating his life Saturday November 12, 2022, at 3:30 pm, with visitation from 2:30-3:30, at Lacy Funeral Home in Stephenville, Texas. If you would like to give in his memory, you can provide the gift of a Gideon Bible at sendtheword.org or by calling 615-564-5000. You might also pick up some ice cream in his honor, as we’re sure Blue Bell and Braums will miss him as well.
Be the first to comment