In Loving Memory of Edwin W. Patterson

Edwin W. Patterson, 87, navigated his course to Heaven from his home on October 15, 2024. Ed was born on May 14, 1937 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Mary Elizabeth and Luther Edwin Patterson. Following his father's service in World War II, the family moved to Midland, Texas. Ed graduated from Midland High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society and played in the Midland High School Band. He was the only French Horn player in the Midland City Orchestra while still in high school.

Following high school, Ed enrolled in Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He transferred to the University of Texas in his sophomore year and was Lieutenant Commander of Sigma Nu fraternity. Ed graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He continued his friendships with his Sigma Nu brothers until his passing.

Ed began his career with Lufkin Industries specializing in pumping unit sales. He became the authority in artificial lift equipment by the end of his career. He mentored many young engineers and sales associates over his 45 years with Lufkin, serving in offices in Canada, Wichita Falls, and New York City before being transferred to Houston in 1969. He maintained friendships with both colleagues and customers until he sailed to Heaven.

Ed married Barbara Ekblad in his senior year at UT and welcomed two daughters, Diana and Martha, when they moved to Wichita Falls. His son, Rob, was born after they moved to New Jersey. His children grew up with a father who was involved in every aspect of their lives, coaching Rob's sports teams, attending dance recitals and every significant event for both daughters, reading bedtime stories, and teaching them their prayers. Being there for his children was the driving force in his life. Captain, as the grandchildren called him, continued to be immersed in the lives of Cassidy, Matthew, Logan, and Julia.

In 1989, Ed married Susan Henry and welcomed her and her children, Emily and Eric, into the family. They celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary the day before he sailed away "with one hand on the starboard rail waving back at her".

Ed and Susan were avid sailors buying their first boat, The Chamisa, shortly after they married. They graduated to larger boats through the years taking friends sailing on Galveston Bay, chartering in the Caribbean, delivering boats among St. Croix, Cozumel, and Galveston, and racing in the Harvest Moon Regatta. His passion was navigation and trimming the sails with Susan at the helm. They traveled the world from Antarctica to the Artic Circle, fished in Alaska, cruised the Caribbean and Mediterranean, saw the Northern lights, and enjoyed countless other special places. Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they owned a home for 10 years, was a favorite destination, enjoying food, art, skiing, white-water rafting, and spending time with friends there. Ed loved the South Coast of Texas particularly Port Aransas. He also loved Galveston where he could sit on the balcony of their condo, eat seafood and enjoy watching the boats whether pleasure craft or ocean tankers.

Sports were another one of Ed's passions. He loved college football and was a huge UT Longhorn fan. When his grandchildren enrolled at Texas A&M University, he became a Fighting Aggie once again. For reasons known only to him, he was a big Alabama football fan. The Dallas Cowboys were his favorite NFL team. He was a huge Astros fan and attended countless games, but his favorite baseball and football games were those in which his son and grandsons played and coached. He played competitive tennis at the original Net Set Club, now Westside Tennis.

Ed was a man of faith who served Chapelwood UMC as an usher and Kitchen Ministry volunteer; with his favorite job of preparing mashed potatoes and green beans for Second Sunday Chicken Lunch. He mentored students at Spring Branch Elementary and supported the Chapelwood Foundation scholarships and local and global ministries.

Ed is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters Diana Peters and husband Bruce, and Martha Aucoin and husband Pat; son Rob and wife Sherry; grandchildren Cassidy and Matthew Aucoin, Logan and Julia Patterson, Courtney Peters and husband Patrick, and Ian Peters; and by his sister, Nancy Patterson. He is also survived by Susan's children and grandchildren Emily Trout Ellenberger, her husband Mark, and grandchildren Stefan Ellenberger and wife Line Rakner, Christer Ellenberger and wife Helene, Eric Trout and wife Erin, and grandchildren Jackson & Harper.

Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, in the Chapel at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay St., Houston 77024, with Rev. Wick Stuckey officiating. A private inurnment will take place at the Chapelwood Columbarium.

The family would like to thank Benchmark Hospice and Encore Caregivers, particularly Pendo Jones, for their compassionate care over the past months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ed Patterson Scholarship Fund through the Chapelwood Foundation at 11140 Greenbay St., Houston, Texas 77024, or the charity of your choice.

Sail on Captain! Fair winds and following seas!