Clifton Patchen

1920 - 2010

CLIFTON ALFRED PATCHEN Colonel Clifton A. "Patch" Patchen (Ret) passed away peacefully at his home in Riverside on October 12, 2010. He was a week short of his 90th birthday. Patch was born on October 23, 1920 in Hartland Center, Ohio, one of seven children to parents Wayne and Mae Patchen. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Lois Jean Smith on October 19th, 1940. Patch began his remarkable military career in the National Guard. After attending pilot school he was commissioned as a 1st Lt. in the Army Air Corp. He went on to pilot thirteen different aircraft from the PT-17 to the B52. As a B-24 Liberator pilot, he was shot down and MIA over China for several days in 1944. Thankfully he was recovered and returned to his loved ones. After fighting in World War II, Vietnam and flying hundreds of missions, Colonel Patchen retired from the Air Force after 35 years of honorable and distinguished service. Patch is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jean, and 2 daughters, Bonnie J. Szablewski and Betsy Roberts, 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Daughter, Beverly Lampman preceded him in death. He was a loving and devoted Husband, Daddy, Grandpa and Pop-Pop. He was admired and loved by all who had the honor of knowing him. A memorial service in his honor will be held on November 19th, 2010 at Riverside National Cemetery at 2:15pm. A private reception will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project. Wounded Warrior Project 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100 Jacksonville, FL 32256 www.woundedwarriorproject.org Funeral arrangements entrusted to: INLAND MEMORIAL 4922 Arlington Ave., Riverside, CA 92504