HOWARD W. "PAT" PATTERSON, 90, of St. John, WA passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2011 at Whitman Health & Rehabilitation Center in Colfax. The memorial service will be held on Friday, April 22, 2011 at 2 PM at the St. John United Methodist Church. The graveside service will precede at 1 PM at the St. John Cemetery. Pat was born July 17, 1920 in Spokane, WA to Richard & Gertrude (Burbank) Patterson. As a young child he moved back to the Patterson Ranch with his family northwest of St. John. Pat graduated from high school in Ewan, WA in 1938. He joined the US Navy and served as a Radioman 3rd Class on the USS Current ARS 22 during WWII. Pat was honorably discharged in 1946. He married Leah Repp and following her death married Evelyn Dollarhide and together made St. John their home. Pat farmed with his brother and was a St. John mail carrier with the US Postal Service for 35 years. He enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator WA7KCB, and served on the St. John Volunteer Fire Dept. for 26 years. Pat also enjoyed playing cards, being involved in community activities and worked as a caretaker at the St. John Cemetery. Pat is survived by his son Richard Patterson of St. John; 2 sister-in-laws Barbara Bailey & Marilyn (Ron) Steele and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn in 2004; his parents; 2 infant sons; his brother; and 5 sisters. Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, WA is caring for the family. Memorials are suggested to the St. John Volunteer Fire Dept. and EMT's or to a favorite charity.