Bruce Patterson

Bruce Arnold Patterson, 89, of Seminole, Oklahoma departed this life on February 27, 2012 in Enid, OK. Bruce was born July 6, 1922 to Harriet Preston and Arnett Patterson, in Huntington Arkansas.  Bruce lived a productive and generous life. During his youth, Bruce had somewhat of a nomadic life with his mother and grandmother. They lived in Illinois, Kansas, and Arkansas. He arrived in Seminole, Oklahoma at an early age, where he made home and spent the rest of his life.  He credits most of his up bringing to his Aunt Daisy.  Bruce attended Booker T. Washington School in Seminole Oklahoma.  His education was interrupted because of his military services during the World War II era. While in the military he obtained the rank of sergeant, and had received several medals and ribbons. On November 2, 2001, through Seminole Public School along with other Veterans, Bruce was honored with his high school diploma. After his discharge from the military, February 1946, he returned to Seminole. Bruce worked for Halliburton in Seminole and Duncan, Oklahoma. In the 1960’s, he formed his own Roofing Company.  He continued as a fulltime roofer, until the late 1990’s, when health issues limited his ability to perform.  But if you listen to Bruce, he was a lifetime roofer, and nobody could do it better. Bruce married his childhood sweetheart, Geraldine “Gerri” Jones of Seminole, May 9, 1943.  To this union were born two children.  Gerald Francis and Teresa Elaine.  Through Bruce and Gerri’s endeavors they were blessed with the adoption of a son, Amare’ Worku.  Bruce leaves behind to cherish his memory: son, Gerald Francis (Victoria) Patterson, Portland, OR; daughter, Teresa (Donald) Tucker, Enid OK; son, Amare’ (Yeshiwork) Worku, Edmond, OK; sister, Olivia (Tracy) Dantzler, Kansas City, KS.; and sister-in-law Dolores Jones, Seminole, OK; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel in Seminole, Oklahoma.  Interment will follow at Westwood Cemetery in Wewoka. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole. Funeral Information: March 3, 2012, 1:30 PM Swearingen Funeral Home Chapel located at 1001 N. Milt Phillips, Seminole, OK 74868