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Jasper
E. Patterson
Firebird Pilot |
Jasper
E. Patterson, 73, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed from this life on April 24,
2009. He was born on November 21, 1935, in Mangum, Oklahoma, to John K. and
Ora Mae Taylor Patterson, both of who preceded him in death. Also preceding
him were his first wife, Barbara Keros Patterson and a sister, Joan Todd. The family
moved to San Pedro, California, in 1940, where Jasper attended Barton Hills
Elementary School. They returned to Oklahoma in 1945, where he attended
Granite Elementary School until the family moved their farm to Lakecreek,
Oklahoma. He graduated from Lakecreek High School in 1954. Jasper attended
Oklahoma A & M in Stillwater, Oklahoma for three semesters before
transferring to New Mexico State University at Las Cruces, New Mexico where
he earned his Electrical Engineering Degree in 1959. While attending NMSU
Jasper was employed as a student engineer at White Sands Missile Range. He
was active in the Air Force ROTC and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant
upon graduation. He was then assigned to Vance AFB in Enid, Oklahoma where he
graduated in the first graduating class of 1962, earning his silver wings. Jasper then
completed two years active duty in the Air Force in Alaska with his family at
his side. During the Vietnam era, Jasper was a member of the Firebirds, which
was recognized for the extraordinary accomplishments of the personnel who crewed
or supported the C-130 “Ski Model” of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron. Never have so few done so much at such risk to
themselves and their aircraft. In 1966, Jasper
moved his family to Norman, where he began his civilian career as an
electrical engineer at Tinker Air Force Base. During this period his career
reached lofty heights as lead engineer for the Fuel Savings Panel for more
than 600 C/KC-135 aircraft. Another area if which Jasper was lead engineer
was the continuous upgrades to the communication and other electronic systems
aboard Air Force One, the Presidential airplane. While employed at TAFB, for
a period of time, Jasper was a member of the Air Force Reserve, once again
flying all over the world. From 1982 -
1987, Jasper was promoted to Colonel and served as the Squadron Commander of
the 137th Tactical Airlift Wing, 185 TAS of the
Oklahoma Air National Guard during which he flew C-130 Hercules and regularly
participated in Air Force Red Flag exercises over the Nevada desert. Until 1994, Jasper was employed as a
Flight Safety Inspector at the Federal Aviation Administration, which
included his love of flying, this time flying jets, the Douglas DC-9 and
Boeing 727, as well as testing pilots who flew for commercial airlines. In 1984, Jasper
married Jayne A. Mayo Patterson uniting families to create one loving family
of five sons. During these twenty-five years, five daughters-in-law, and six
grandchildren have added much fun and love. In addition to Jayne, the
following surviving family members are: sister Jean Wells and husband,
Derrell, Austin, TX; sons, Jeffrey Livingston and wife, Lisa; their children,
Peter and Rachel, Albuquerque, NM; Mark Livingston and wife, Heather, Edmond,
OK, their children, Amy, Megan and Ryan, Memphis, TN; Kenneth Patterson and
wife, Monica, Tulsa, OK; Jeffrey Coil and wife, Rebecca, their children,
Braxton and Cooper, Edmond, OK; and Michael Coil and wife, Tamara, Edmond,
OK. Each son respected Jasper as a father, yet sought him when needing a friend. Jasper’s life was a life well lived. Memorial
Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 1, 2009, at Havenbrook
Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Dr. Jerry Black officiating. Interment with
full military honors will follow at the Fort Sill National Cemetery in Elgin,
Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Havenbrook Funeral Home of
Norman, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers,
send contribution to the Salvation Army. |