Changes

==Background==

==Background==

Patterson was born near Seminole in Gaines County in far West Texas near the [[New Mexico]] border. His father was John Dee Patterson (1869-1966), a native of Fannin County in North Texas; his mother, J. D.'s first wife, the former Noda Eula Pollard (1879-1970), was originally from Gatesville in Coryell County in Central Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://records.ancestry.com/Private_Patterson_records.ashx?pid=130251407|title=Paul I. Patterson|publisher=records.ancestry.com|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref> J. D. and Noda married on February 25, 1900, in Big Spring, in Howard County, also in West Texas.<ref name=judgepatterson/> There J. D. Patterson worked for a railroad and then operated a freight company.<ref name=oralhist>{{cite web|url=http://www.swco.ttu.edu/abstracts/1901.htm|title=Oral History interview: Fush Patterson, August 6, 1975|publisher=[[Texas Tech University]]|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref>

Patterson was born near Seminole in Gaines County in far West Texas near the [[New Mexico]] border. His father was John Dee Patterson (1869–1966), a native of Fannin County in North Texas; his mother, J. D.'s first wife, the former Noda Eula Pollard (1879–1970), was originally from Gatesville in Coryell County in Central Texas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://records.ancestry.com/Private_Patterson_records.ashx?pid=130251407|title=Paul I. Patterson|publisher=records.ancestry.com|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref> J. D. and Noda married on February 25, 1900, in Big Spring, in Howard County, also in West Texas.<ref name=judgepatterson/> There J. D. Patterson worked for a railroad and then operated a freight company.<ref name=oralhist>{{cite web|url=http://www.swco.ttu.edu/abstracts/1901.htm|title=Oral History interview: Fush Patterson, August 6, 1975|publisher=[[Texas Tech University]]|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref>

The Patterson family moved south to Rankin in Upton County. For three terms J. D. was the elected county judg] for Upton County. After a divorce from Noda c. 1926, when Paul was still a teenager, J. D., at fifty-eight, wed the former Sarah Caroline Conway (1876-1971), a native of Erath County who was divorced from William Elmore Long (1867-1943).<ref name=sadiepatt>{{cite web |url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6465767|title=Sarah  "Sadie" Carolina Conway Long Patterson|publisher=''Mineral Wells Index''|date=June 24, 1971|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> J. D. and "Sadie", as she was known, wed on May 21, 1927, in Big Lake in Reagan County. From this union, he acquired three stepdaughters and a stepson. J. D. and Sadie moved to Mineral Wells in Palo Pinto County, he [[Farming|farmed]] for the nearly forty remaining years of his life. He and Sadie were members of the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] denomination. "Judge" Patterson, as he was still known after he left office, is interred at Sturdivant Cemetery in Mineral Wells,<ref name=judgepatterson>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=30126729|title=John Dee "Judge" Patterson|publisher=findagrave.com|accessdate=April 5, 2014}}</ref> along with his second wife, Sadie, who died at the age of ninety-five in Weatherford in Parker County west of [[Fort Worth]].<ref name=sadiepatt/> Noda Patterson did not remarry; she died at the age of ninety-one, a year before Sadie and is interred along with her son at Rankin Cemetery.<ref name=rankinburials/>

The Patterson family moved south to Rankin in Upton County. For three terms J. D. was the elected county judg] for Upton County. After a divorce from Noda c. 1926, when Paul was still a teenager, J. D., at fifty-eight, wed the former Sarah Caroline Conway (1876–1971), a native of Erath County who was divorced from William Elmore Long (1867–1943).<ref name=sadiepatt>{{cite web |url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=6465767|title=Sarah  "Sadie" Carolina Conway Long Patterson|publisher=''Mineral Wells Index''|date=June 24, 1971|accessdate=December 26, 2021}}</ref> J. D. and "Sadie", as she was known, wed on May 21, 1927, in Big Lake in Reagan County. From this union, he acquired three stepdaughters and a stepson. J. D. and Sadie moved to Mineral Wells in Palo Pinto County, he [[Farming|farmed]] for the nearly forty remaining years of his life. He and Sadie were members of the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] denomination. "Judge" Patterson, as he was still known after he left office, is interred at Sturdivant Cemetery in Mineral Wells,<ref name=judgepatterson>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=30126729|title=John Dee "Judge" Patterson|publisher=findagrave.com|accessdate=April 5, 2014}}</ref> along with his second wife, Sadie, who died at the age of ninety-five in Weatherford in Parker County west of [[Fort Worth]].<ref name=sadiepatt/> Noda Patterson did not remarry; she died at the age of ninety-one, a year before Sadie and is interred along with her son at Rankin Cemetery.<ref name=rankinburials/>

Paul Patterson graduated c. 1926 from Rankin High School. In 1935, he procured his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, from which years later he was named a "Distinguished Alumnus." His graduate work was undertaken at several institutions, including the [[University of Texas]] at [[Austin]], [[Utah State University]] in Logan, [[Utah]], the National Autonomous University of [[Mexico]], and the University at Buffalo in [[Buffalo]], [[New York]]. He also studied in [[Madrid]], [[Spain]], and [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]]<ref name=ppatterson>{{cite web|url=http://www.oaoa.com/community/obituaries/article_3feaa06c-1aaf-5a25-b2e8-17141234960c.html|title=Paul Patterson, March 16, 2008|publisher=''The Odessa American''|accessdate=April 3, 2014}}</ref>

Paul Patterson graduated c. 1926 from Rankin High School. In 1935, he procured his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, from which years later he was named a "Distinguished Alumnus." His graduate work was undertaken at several institutions, including the [[University of Texas]] at [[Austin]], [[Utah State University]] in Logan, [[Utah]], the National Autonomous University of [[Mexico]], and the University at Buffalo in [[Buffalo]], [[New York]]. He also studied in [[Madrid]], [[Spain]], and [[Geneva]], [[Switzerland]]<ref name=ppatterson>{{cite web|url=http://www.oaoa.com/community/obituaries/article_3feaa06c-1aaf-5a25-b2e8-17141234960c.html|title=Paul Patterson, March 16, 2008|publisher=''The Odessa American''|accessdate=April 3, 2014}}</ref>

==Author and educator==

==Author and educator==

Patterson taught for more than forty years, mostly at Crane High School in Crane, a [[petroleum]] boomtown south of [[Odessa, Texas|Odessa]]. He also taught in three other small towns in southwest Texas: Marfa in Presidio County, Sanderson in Terrell County, and, his last assignment, Sierra Blanca in Hudspeth County.<ref name=ppatterson/> His best-known understudy in the field of Texas history in Crane was the [[journalist]] and western novelist Elmer Stephen Kelton (1926-2009), who died a year after Patterson. Kelton with great emotion said that all of his writing talent had been developed by his mentor Patterson and without Patterson there could have been no Kelton.<ref>Elmer Kelton exhibit, [[Museum of the Desert Southwest]], Crane, Texas.</ref><ref name=ekelton>{{cite web|url=http://www.ranchmagazine.com/index.php/Around-the-Country/|author=Gary Cutrer|title=Kelton Rides on Up the Trail|publisher=''Ranch Magazine''|date=September 1, 2009|accessdate=April 5, 2014}}</ref>

Patterson taught for more than forty years, mostly at Crane High School in Crane, a [[petroleum]] boomtown south of [[Odessa, Texas|Odessa]]. He also taught in three other small towns in southwest Texas: Marfa in Presidio County, Sanderson in Terrell County, and, his last assignment, Sierra Blanca in Hudspeth County.<ref name=ppatterson/> His best-known understudy in the field of Texas history in Crane was the [[journalist]] and western novelist Elmer Stephen Kelton (1926–2009), who died a year after Patterson. Kelton with great emotion said that all of his writing talent had been developed by his mentor Patterson and without Patterson there could have been no Kelton.<ref>Elmer Kelton exhibit, [[Museum of the Desert Southwest]], Crane, Texas.</ref><ref name=ekelton>{{cite web|url=http://www.ranchmagazine.com/index.php/Around-the-Country/|author=Gary Cutrer|title=Kelton Rides on Up the Trail|publisher=''Ranch Magazine''|date=September 1, 2009|accessdate=April 5, 2014}}</ref>

Between his high school graduation and college enrollment Patterson was a [[cowboy]]. This background spurred his success as a folk humorist and teller of tall tales. His sharp wit is reflected in all of his works of literature. He received the Founders' Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cowboy Symposium sponsored by the [[American Cowboy Culture Association in [[Lubbock]], Texas. He was an active member and past president of the Texas Folklore Society. He was affiliated with the West Texas Historical Association.<ref name=ppatterson/>

Between his high school graduation and college enrollment Patterson was a [[cowboy]]. This background spurred his success as a folk humorist and teller of tall tales. His sharp wit is reflected in all of his works of literature. He received the Founders' Lifetime Achievement Award from the Cowboy Symposium sponsored by the [[American Cowboy Culture Association in [[Lubbock]], Texas. He was an active member and past president of the Texas Folklore Society. He was affiliated with the West Texas Historical Association.<ref name=ppatterson/>

==Personal life==

==Personal life==

In 1941, Patterson married his fellow educator, the former Marjorie "Marge" Vincent Mixon, who predeceased him by nearly three years.<ref name=ppatterson/> She was a daughter of William Abijah Mixon (1875-1952) and Ermine Hamlett (1875-1966).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://records.ancestry.com/Marjorie_Vincent_Mixon_records.ashx?pid=117797394|title=Marjorie Vincent Mixon|publisher=records.ancestry.com|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref>

In 1941, Patterson married his fellow educator, the former Marjorie "Marge" Vincent Mixon, who predeceased him by nearly three years.<ref name=ppatterson/> She was a daughter of William Abijah Mixon (1875–1952) and Ermine Hamlett (1875–1966).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://records.ancestry.com/Marjorie_Vincent_Mixon_records.ashx?pid=117797394|title=Marjorie Vincent Mixon|publisher=records.ancestry.com|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref>

In retirement, the Pattersons traveled extensively and lived part of each year in Crane and Pecos in Reeves County, where Mrs. Patterson had inherited a house from a sister. The Pattersons had no children. He died in a nursing home in Crane two weeks before his 99th birthday. He was survived by a sister, Zora Gwendolyn Patterson Shaw (1912-2012) of Rankin, Texas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mywesttexas/obituary.aspx?pid=159549799|title=Zora Gwendolyn Patterson Shaw|publisher=''Midland Reporter-Telegram''|date=August 31, 2012|accessdate=April 7, 2014}}</ref> and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers,<ref name=ppatterson/> Ralph C. Patterson (1900-1928), who died a year after their father's remarriage,<ref name=rankinburials>{{cite web|url=http://www.cemeteries-of-tx.com/Wtx/Upton/cemetery/Rankin.html=|title=David Griffin, Rankin Cemetery listings|publisher=cemeteries-of-tx.com|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref> John H. Patterson, a rancher, and Fush Patterson, a barber in McCamey in Upton County.<ref name=oralhist/> and two sisters, Blanche Patterson Holmes and Madge Patterson Howell.<ref name=ppatterson/>

In retirement, the Pattersons traveled extensively and lived part of each year in Crane and Pecos in Reeves County, where Mrs. Patterson had inherited a house from a sister. The Pattersons had no children. He died in a nursing home in Crane two weeks before his 99th birthday. He was survived by a sister, Zora Gwendolyn Patterson Shaw (1912–2012) of Rankin, Texas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mywesttexas/obituary.aspx?pid=159549799|title=Zora Gwendolyn Patterson Shaw|publisher=''Midland Reporter-Telegram''|date=August 31, 2012|accessdate=April 7, 2014}}</ref> and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three brothers,<ref name=ppatterson/> Ralph C. Patterson (1900–1928), who died a year after their father's remarriage,<ref name=rankinburials>{{cite web|url=http://www.cemeteries-of-tx.com/Wtx/Upton/cemetery/Rankin.html=|title=David Griffin, Rankin Cemetery listings|publisher=cemeteries-of-tx.com|accessdate=April 4, 2014}}</ref> John H. Patterson, a rancher, and Fush Patterson, a barber in McCamey in Upton County.<ref name=oralhist/> and two sisters, Blanche Patterson Holmes and Madge Patterson Howell.<ref name=ppatterson/>

In 2009, when a new welcoming sign to Crane was developed to honor Elmer Kelton as the "All-Time Best Western Author," the last line says at Kelton's request: "Student of Crane Teacher Paul Patterson."<ref>Glenn Justice, ''American Cowboy'' (December/January 2009)</ref> Patterson is also honored with an exhibit beside that of Kelton at the [[Museum of the Desert Southwest]] in Crane. The Crane Public Library Reading Room, decorated in rustic décor, is named for Patterson. It contains many of his published books, articles, and short stories as well as personal memorabilia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtls.tsl.state.tx.us/crane/about-us|title=Crane County Library: Who We Are|publisher=tsl.state.tx.us|accessdate=April 7, 2014}}</ref>

In 2009, when a new welcoming sign to Crane was developed to honor Elmer Kelton as the "All-Time Best Western Author," the last line says at Kelton's request: "Student of Crane Teacher Paul Patterson."<ref>Glenn Justice, ''American Cowboy'' (December/January 2009)</ref> Patterson is also honored with an exhibit beside that of Kelton at the [[Museum of the Desert Southwest]] in Crane. The Crane Public Library Reading Room, decorated in rustic décor, is named for Patterson. It contains many of his published books, articles, and short stories as well as personal memorabilia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wtls.tsl.state.tx.us/crane/about-us|title=Crane County Library: Who We Are|publisher=tsl.state.tx.us|accessdate=April 7, 2014}}</ref>