L.M. (Sonny) Patterson, Jr

Spearman, Texas - L.M. Patterson Jr., "Sonny," died Nov. 8, 2008, at home, just one mile from his birthplace.

Graveside services will be on the ranch at the Patterson Family Cemetery on Thursday afternoon, November 13th, 2:00 P.M., with Brother Leonard Forsythe of Bible Baptist Church in Borger officiating. Arrangements by Henson - Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon. Viewing will be Tuesday, noon to 8:00 PM and Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Sonny was born July 18, 1931, and raised by his grandparents John Bailey and Musa Lee Patterson. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

Sonny married Spearman native Vanell, "Nell," Close in 1954.

A man of his word, Sonny was a lifetime member of the American Hereford Association and a longtime member of both the American Quarter Horse and American Angus Breeders Associations.

In addition, Sonny was instrumental in the development of the community and had served on the Board of Equalization, helped build the area's first telephone line and many other endeavors.

Sonny served a number of years on the Hutchinson County Soil and Water Conservation District Board and was awarded the outstanding Conservationalist and Merit Awards in 1993. The family's ongoing conservation efforts were also highlighted on the front page of the Texas Forestry Service's publication.

His grandparents and a sister, Joyce Williamson, preceded Sonny in death.

Survivors include his wife, Nell, of the home, a son, Bailey Lee Patterson of the ranch, two daughters, Cindy and Lem Russell of Stratford and Mindy Patterson of Amarillo, and two grandchildren, Rustin and Sunny Russell of Stratford.

The family suggests memorials be to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 411 S Fillmore Street, Amarillo, TX 79101.