James Thomas "Chief" Patterson, 87, of McAlester, passed away Thursday, November 7, 2024 at his home.  A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, November 11, at 2:00 p.m. at the Main and Oklahoma Church of Christ.

Tom Patterson was born on August 3, 1937 in McAlester to Henry and Opal (Coker) Patterson.  He grew up in McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School in the class of 1957.  He lived here throughout his life.  Tom started working for Bill Thompson Typewriter and Office Supply while he was still in high school.  In a short time, he had learned how to repair most office machines, mainly typewriters and copiers.  After over 30 years in the office machine industry, Tom went to work driving a rural mail route for postmaster Garner Boyd. Tom returned to his specialty, repairing office machines and typewriters and copiers for Impress Office Supply.  He married DeLoyce Hudelson in 1959.  They began their married life in a little garage apartment on Wyandotte Street.  They became first-time parents to a son, Tommy Ray, in 1960, followed by a daughter, Deborah, in 1963, and another daughter, Krista, in 1970.  Tom enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing.  His love of hunting and fishing were passed on to his son, grandsons, and great-grandson.

Tom is survived by his wife, DeLoyce Patterson; 3 children, Tommy Patterson and wife Kamy, Deborah Thomas and husband Matt, and Krista Patterson; grandchildren, Jill Patterson, Garrett Patterson and wife Kristen, Matthew Thomas and wife Robyn, Mallory Thomas, Emylea Todd, and Caylea Blankenship and husband Bryce; 3 great grandchildren, Kylie Patterson, Hunter Patterson, and Parklynn Blankenship; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Chris Patterson; a niece and a nephew, Stephanie Gonzalez and husband Chris, and Daran Patterson; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rusty and Schahara Hudelson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sooner Youth Camp.