Stephen Michael Patten

1964 - 2021

Stephen Michael Patten

Stephen Michael Patten, 57, of Forest, passed away on Monday, October 18, 2021, at Duke University Hospital.

Born in Fort Irwin, Calif., on May 4, 1964, he was the son of Lynne Michael Patten and Leonore Wrona Patten of Livonia, Mich. Stephen was a Software Engineer with Pacific Life in Lynchburg. He was a skilled storyteller, quick-witted, devoted, refreshingly direct, persistent, passionate, first to volunteer, generous, soft-hearted, unafraid to show emotion or tears, hard worker, mentor, strong-willed, always seeking knowledge, history buff, fascinated by space, outdoors lover, mountain biker, bear hugger extraordinaire . . . he could take the most awkward situation and show everyone the humor . . . and you were never unclear where he stood on an issue.

He enjoyed the process of problem solving, giving up wasn't an option, and he'd outwork anyone who tried to compete. He truly loved people—all people—young and old, from all walks of life, people just gathered around him and felt heard. He would sit down and join in the conversation with a group of his kids' friends, chaperone overnight field trips, or start chatting up a group of seniors coming off a church bus at Goodie's. He made his family and friends feel loved, respected, safe, full of joy, laughter, and pure happiness.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Leigh Anne Patten; two sons, Benjamin Michael Patten and Nathaniel Robert Patten, all of Forest; three sisters, Susan LaFrance of Simpsonville, S.C., Barbara Altom and husband, Tim, of Irving, Texas, and Jennie Godfrey of Arlington, Texas; his father and mother-in-law, William and Jane Peterson of Windermere, Fla.; sister-in-law, Ashley Peterson of Windermere, Fla., and a number of nieces, nephews and other extended family.

A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Falwell officiating. Casual attire is preferred.

The family will receive friends following the service until 3:30 p.m.

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the wonderful care provided by all of the doctors, nurses and staff of both Lynchburg General Hospital and Duke University Hospital.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Iron Lives, www.ironlives.com.

The family request you take a moment to share a story of favorite memory of Stephen on his memorial webpage at www.whittentimberlake.com.