Thomas Edgar Patterson "Tom", was born February 5, 1933 in Detroit, Michigan, to William Ashley and Frances Leuty Patterson, who preceded him in death as well as his brother, William Leuty Patterson. He passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was educated in the Detroit Public School System until the 10 ^th grade when he enrolled at the Henry Ford Trade School.  He completed his high school education and attained his Journeyman Toolmaker Status while working at the River Rouge Plant.

He married Dee C. Clear on September 11, 1954 and a year later was drafted into the military service for 2 years, where he honorably served his country in the US Army, as an H21 Helicopter Crew Chief at Fort Rucker, Alabama and Fort Devens, Massachusetts. While at Fort Devens, his oldest son, Ronald W Patterson was born in 1958. Upon discharge, he returned to Michigan with his family to the Hartland area where he worked in several different tool shops. Later, he began training in the construction field, building custom homes.

Their second son, Ra was born in 1963 and in the 70's Tom became manager at Holkins Lumber Yard in Howell, Michigan, until 1984 when he and Dee moved to Belen, New Mexico, where they bought Belen Auto Supply. In 1996 they sold their business, retired and Tom then joined in business with son, Ra supplying windows and doors to local contractors.

Tom was a life-time lover of antique cars. He bought and sold many cars after restoring them, to their original condition. Over the years he was an active member of the VMCCA , Buick Club of America and the Early Ford V-8 Club of America. While he loved living in New Mexico, he still missed the "green" of Michigan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dee Patterson of Belen; sons, Ron Patterson and wife Wanda of Murphy, Texas, Ra Patterson and wife JoElla, of Belen; grandchildren, Kurt and Kyle Patterson.

Due to the current COVID regulations, a memorial services is pending and will be announced. Tom will be interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.