Mel Patterson

John Melbourne Patterson, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Mel was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years Avis V Patterson and by his parents John Max and Mary Mona and his sisters Ellen E. Grooters, Mary Maxine, and Maxine Mary and his brothers James Gerald, and Royal George.  He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Dawn (Graham) MacDougall, Bruce (Carol) Schantz, Mark Schantz, Chris Schantz, Jackie (Mark) Oosterhouse, Rocky Grooters, Mary Ellen Geelhoed, Pamela (Gregg) Moore, Rory (Karen) Grooters and Jeffery Max (Nancy) Patterson. Mel was a 1944 graduate of Caledonia High School where he participated in Baseball, Orchestra, Student Court (Judge) and was Class Secretary. Since his youth, he worked the Patterson family farm that was established in the 1830’s and was a firefighter for Paris Township, later incorporated into Kentwood Station #2, for 45 years retiring as chief. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 20, at 10:00 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am, at Holy Family Catholic Parish, 9669 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia with Interment in Oak Grove Cemetery following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Parish and or Kentwood Fire Department.

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