Joseph Allan Patterson

Joseph Allan Patterson, formerly of Shelbina, passed away at his home in Colorado on September 4, 2024. Joe was born on August 14, 1938, to Harold Alexander and Susie May (Totten) Patterson in Lakenan, Missouri. He attended Shelbina High School, where he played football, played tuba in the band, and served on the School Boy Patrol.

Joe attended college in Kirksville, then served as an MP in the Army. He started with the Missouri Highway Patrol in 1963 at Troop B in Macon. In 1970, he joined Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, serving in positions in Cape Girardeau, Kansas City, and Denver. He retired as a supervisor with ATF in 1991. During his more than 30 years in law enforcement, Joe shot on competitive pistol teams for the Highway Patrol and ATF, winning many trophies, medals, and awards.

Following his career in law enforcement, Joe worked in many retail positions selling guns and helping people with hunting questions. He loved meeting people and swapping hunting stories! Joe was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. One of his prized possessions was a Willys Jeep that he built piece-by-piece over the course of many years.

Joe married Judith Lynn Dodge on November 24, 1961. He was extremely proud of his children: Steve (Treena) Patterson; Susan (Dan) Hutchens; and Joe (Diane) Patterson. Joe had nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Wilma Lois), and half-siblings Harold, Charlie, Darrell, and Viola. He was also preceded in death by his dear friend, Roger (Fran) Lamothe of Watonga, Oklahoma.

Funeral service was held on Friday, September 13, in Shelbina. A graveside service and internment took place at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Lentner. He was buried next to his parents and sister.