Junior Patterson Lucas

Junior Lewis Patterson, only child of Russell and Sadie Pennington Patterson, was born at home southwest of Lucas on Dec. 26, 1931. He left his earthly home Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016, at Legacy Lodge in Chariton.

He attended White Oak School, just up the hill west of his home, graduating from the eighth grade. He farmed, worked at Little Giant in Des Moines, drove a truck for Don McCauley of Lucas and retired in 1992, having worked 32 years on the section crew for the CB&Q and Burlington Northern Railroads.

He was united in marriage to Theresa Ann Duree on Aug. 19, 1950. For the next 61½ years, they made their home on a farm just over the hill from where Junior was born and raised. Here, they raised their children Becky and Bruce.

In April 2012, they moved to Northridge Assisted Living in Chariton. Theresa passed away March 28, 2013. In November 2013, after complications from surgery, Junior moved to Chariton Nursing Home and Rehab Center. In January of this year, he made his final move to Legacy Lodge.

Since 1977, he was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed taking an active role in both Chariton and Osceola clubs. He and Theresa attended local, district and state meetings supporting various charities through the years. As well as the Eagles, Junior had several passions to keep him active before and after retirement.

If there was an auction near or far, he was there. He especially enjoyed following Peasley Auction where he helped in many ways. His primary duty was to run sheets from the clerk to the cashier. But his favorite time was spent bidding and adding to his collection of Keen Kutter, Winchester and railroad items to include several Winchester guns, crescent wrenches and anvils—no matter what size. His love for Allis Chalmers tractors was well known. In later years, he owned a 170 and D17 Series IV using them both work and play. Junior also enjoyed Brittney Spaniels beginning with Speck in 1973 through Luke, who was the last. Luke rode everywhere with him while riding in the pickup. Even after moving to Chariton, he would go to the farm to give Luke his daily ride.

He inherited his love of gardening from his mom. They would plant any kind of produce to include over a 100 tomato plants. He and Theresa would work many hours freezing and canning the many fruits and vegetables and still have an abundance to generously give away.

At the very top of his activity list was spending time with his family. He was always there to help with every move of Becky and Bruce, babysit grandchildren and attend as many of their events of the children as he was able. No matter what the need, he was always there.

Left to honor his memory are his daughter Becky (Dan) Allen of Lucas; his son Bruce (Marsha) Patterson of Chariton; granddaughters, Emily (Steve) Peasley of Slater and Katie (Doug) Cooper of Mondamin; his grandsons, Cale Patterson of Lucas and Jared (Julie) Patterson of Chariton; great-grandchildren, Kent and Ellen Cooper of Lubbock, Texas and Brooke, Danielle and Justin Cooper of Mondamin; sister-in-law Naomi Sly of Davenport and a host of extended family and friends.

Preceding him in death was his wife Theresa; parents, Russell and Sadie; parents-in-law Harry and Rebecca Duree, seven brothers-in-law and six sisters-in-law .

Services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at Fielding Funeral Home, 227 S. Grand St., in Chariton with the Rev. Dale and the Rev. Linda O'Connell officiating. Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the funeral home. Interment took place in Chariton Cemetery following the service. Bearers were Cale Patterson, Jared Patterson, Doug Cooper, Steve Peasley, Rusty Pennington, Arden Hubbard and Rusty Clark. Honor bearers were Dwaine Spencer, Jerry D'Attilio, Jack Boyd, Ross Cochran, Keith Heston and Don Hall. Memorials may be directed toward the Chariton Eagles Lodge 2774 or the Legacy Lodge. Online condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.