Robert "Bill" Patrick departed this life on August 18, 2024 at the age of 96.
Born 10 March, 1928 in Wichita Falls, he was the first of four children of Alfred Alen Patrick and Ruth Carol Wilbur. He spent most of his childhood on a farm in Thornberry, and on the banks of the Red River. He graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High in 1948, then spent the next thirty years serving our country in the U.S. Army. Following basic training, he served in the U.S. Army's ceremonial unit, "The Old Guard" in Washington, DC, and then saw combat with the 3rd Infantry Division in Korea (1951-2). He attended the Defense Department's Language Institute in Presidio/Monterey, CA and then served as an adviser to the Army of Honduras. He reached the Army's highest non-commissioned officer rank, Sergeant Major, after just 16 years of service.
While assigned as a senior instructor to the Army's School of Americas in Panama in the early 1960's he helped train military personnel from Latin America and organize airborne and jungle survival schools for U.S. forces. He served as command sergeant major of U.S. Army Support Command, Qui Nhon, Vietnam in 1967. He then helped organize and deploy an air defense artillery battalion from Fort Bliss, Texas to West Germany in the early 70's. His terminal assignment was as brigade sergeant major, 1st Brigade, 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas. His awards include a Bronze Star, combat infantryman's badge, and the Legion of Merit.
Bill's passion for service and patriotism continued after retirement with membership in the Tennessee Defense Force and as commander of American Legion Post 122 Smithville, Tennessee for fifteen years. He was a thirty-year member of the United Methodist Church while there. Since returning to Wichita Falls, he has been an avid member at the 50 Plus Zone arriving nearly every day at opening. Though he took deep pride in his service to our nation, his greatest accomplishment was his love and devotion to his family. He was great provider, life mentor and loving companion.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Hilda Ray Patrick of Smithville; and his brothers Harvey and Michael; and sister, Ellen.
He survived by his son Richard of Wichita Falls; and sister Grace of Murrieta, California; grandson, Bryan Patrick; granddaughter, Robin Patrick; special niece Lois Duke of Smithville; and special nephew of Jack Odom of McMinnville.
Funeral service with full Military Honors was held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 in the Chapel of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls with Pastor Richard Rust officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service.
