Steven Wayne Patterson, 65, died early Tuesday morning February 18, 2020 at Diversicare of Council Grove after a tough-fought battle with Fronto Temporal Dementia. He was born April 6, 1954, in Junction City, Kansas to Ed and Hazel (Olson) Patterson.
He was the third of six children. He grew up in rural Dwight and attended 1st and 2nd grades at Hillsdale Grade School and 3rd-8th at Dwight Grade School and attended high school in Council Grove, graduating with the class of 1972. At CGHS he was active in Brave Voices and was a member of the Braves basketball team, where he was known for his patented “left-handed jump shot.” It was there he met Teena Scott with whom he dated for most of high school and eventually married on March 1, 1975. She preceded him in death in 2007.
Steve and Teena traveled for the next few years with Steve’s job at Neosho Construction. After traveling for a few years, they settled down in Council Grove and in 1986 Steve went to work for Frito Lay out of Topeka, where he worked for 29 years. In February 1984 they welcomed their first daughter, Brittany, followed by their second daughter, Samantha, in July 1985.
Steve was an avid farmer and loved to take care of the ground around which he and his family resided. In addition to driving for Frito Lay and farming, Steve also auctioneered for many years with Macy Auctions. He was known for coming in from Frito Lay straight home to the field to work ground and then get up the next day to be at an auction bright and early. He worked hard and was a friend and neighbor to anyone who needed help. But what Steve was most proud of were his two daughters and he was always rushing back to get to whatever activity they were involved in. Whether it was ball games, dance recitals, or 4-H events, Steve was always excited to be a part of their activities.
Steve married Rosann Otte on June 19, 2010. They were grateful for the years they were given and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures.
He was preceded in death by his father, his younger brother Larry, and his first wife Teena.
He is survived by his wife Rosann Patterson of Council Grove, mother Hazel Patterson of Junction City, his daughters, Brittany Fox and husband Matt of Herington, and Samantha Arredondo and husband Agustin of Eudora, sisters Dee Mayer and husband Ken of Shawnee, Carolyn Scott and Cheryl Patterson of Dwight, brother Darrell Patterson and wife Kerry of Shawnee; grandchildren Julian Arredondo, Evelyn Arredondo, and Knute Fox.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:30-7:00pm, Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church. Funeral services will also be held at the church on Friday, February 21st, at 10:00am. A private family burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Council Grove Area Foundation or Council Grove/Dunlap United Methodist Church. They may be sent in care of Sawyer Funeral Home, Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.