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FARMINGTON - John A. Patterson, 70, of Farmington passed away Saturday, April 19, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center in Peoria.
John was born Oct. 20, 1943, in Canton. He was the son of Florence and Larry Horton and Dr. John H. Patterson. He attended Canton schools and graduated from Normal Community High School. John attended Canton College and Western Illinois University, where he received a bachelor's degree in education in 1965 and a master's degree in educational administration in 1973.
He devoted his professional career to improving lives through education, working in Smithfield, Cuba, Eldorado and Farmington public schools. He retired from Farmington in 1994, after 21 years as an elementary and junior high school principal, and he then worked part time with the alternative school program in the Fulton/Schuyler Regional Office of Education. He would offer the same welcoming smile to the most gifted and troubled students, and more often than not, their parents, too.
John married Cynthia Hayduk on Aug. 1, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Canton. They were married 49 years. Cynthia survives.
Also surviving are two children, John C. (Tricia) Patterson of Springfield and Jennifer Patterson of St. Louis; and four grandchildren, Sam and Owen Patterson and Mia and Ava Allen. John had two sisters, Lee Ann (Jack) Bennie and Cindy Horton; and six brothers, Chris, Ben (Sandy), Joe (Beth), Jim (Barbara), Tom (Sharon) and Bob (Donna) Patterson.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chris.
From wagon ruts on the Kansas plains to Rolling Stones concerts to Makanda's Vulture Fest, John enjoyed traveling off the beaten path with Cynthia. A highlight was a trip to Italy to reconnect with Cynthia's family. He treasured time spent with kids and grandkids and he thoroughly enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his many good friends.
John belonged to numerous education and civic organizations.
A celebration of life service will be planned later.
The family asks that memorials be made to Farmington Rescue 1100.
Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington is in charge of arrangements.
To view John's memorial DVD and submit online condolences, please go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Judith Fliginger
April 27, 2014
I will remember John for his wide smile and love of a good laugh. Though we didn't have much time together, he became like a brother to me. May you rest in peace John. We will meet again. Please accept my condolences Cynthia and family.
John Roskam
April 22, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God offer comfort to you all. It just seems like yesterday my kids were at Farmington and as PTA PRESIDENT John and I worked together to make all of the student's lives better.
Carol Johnson
April 22, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
The Staff of Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home
April 22, 2014
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