Joe Patterson

Joe Patterson, 72, of Robinson, IL, died on January 12, 2022, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson. He was born August 28, 1949, in Vincennes, IN, the son of Glen "Bud" & Lola "Doty" (Pennybaker) Patterson. A 1967 graduate of Oblong High School, he would go on to honorably serve his country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. His time in the service required a complete commitment to something larger than himself, and we are so humbled that Joe selflessly bore the responsibility for the security of everything we hold dear. As a "thank you," he was eventually given the opportunity to tour Washington, D.C., through the Honor Flight network, and this was a powerful and meaningful experience for him. Following his honorable discharge, he found work with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Over his 33-year career, he worked his way up to the role of supervisor over five counties before retiring in his early 50s. Much of his free time found him tending to his mules and donkeys. Originally, he had bought them to help carry on big game hunting trips in places like Colorado or the Canadian wilderness. However, he soon found the phrase "stubborn as a mule" to be wholly accurate and decided to keep them at home for all subsequent trips! Regardless of whether hunting was involved, it was evident that Joe loved to travel. Every other year would find him visiting his dear Aunt Lois in the Seattle area. In fact, one year, he decided to pack up his travel trailer and make a slow journey west, taking in much of our country's natural beauty in the process. After all, the man loved being outdoors and was something of an arborist. His property was the home of countless trees, each of which he cared for, cultivated, and cataloged. Needless to say, the man was very (very) organized! Though he had never married, the twilight years of his life found him in the company of Dee Wampler, and her companionship was like a beacon of light in his life. By all accounts, this bachelor mellowed out when they got together. The couple was known to frequent many area restaurants, including Gray's in Bridgeport, where the staff knew what they would order before they even sat down! No matter where they went, chances were that he would run into someone he knew through his time with the Highway Department. Seeing as how he was a bachelor for most of his 72 years, Joe was more than able to fend for himself in the kitchen and would whip together some of the most delicious meals and desserts you'd ever get a chance to eat. His family and friends would enjoy his cooking at the numerous fish fries and cookouts he put on. After all, relationships brought life to his living, and he looked for opportunities to spend time with those he loved the most. We who are left behind could never forget his selfless service to our country, nor the good work he did for our community. In more ways than one, Joe Patterson paved the way for the future, and for that, we are forever thankful. He is survived by his brother & sister-in-law, Wendel & Vickie Patterson; by three nieces & their spouses, Francie & Lee Stoltz, Jeri & Neil Bantican, and Crystal & Brian Smitley (and their families); and by his very special friend, Dee Wampler, and her family. He was preceded in death by his parents. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will have the opportunity to share thoughts and memories from Joe's life. Military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. In honor of his trip to Washington D.C. with the organization, memorials may be made to "Honor Flight". Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Crest Haven Cemetery, rural Claremont, IL.