Robert Earl Patrick Jr., 78, of New Bethlehem, died Friday, October 7, 2016, near his home.
Born January 3, 1938, in Mahoning Township, Armstrong County he was the son of Robert E. Patrick Sr. and Margaret Mae (Edwards) Patrick. He married Shirley Jean (George) on March, 24, 1955, and she survives.
Robert was a life-long resident of the New Bethlehem area, he attended Redbank Valley High School. He was a member of the Gohenville Prebyterian Church, in his younger years, developing a relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in his later years. He was a life-long dairy farmer, also worked at St. Charles Brick Plant, was a welder for Pullman Standard in Butler, served as a supervisor for Mahoning Twp., and was an equipment operator for Reddinger Coal Company. He was an avid hunter. It was his mission to control the groundhog population. He enjoyed woodworking, hanging out with the gang at the New Bethlehem Burger King, watching westerns and the Steelers playing on TV. He enjoyed attending family reunions and playing card games with family members, getting quite competitive at times. Even though he struggled with his health in recent years, he was always out and about, always busy on the farm.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of 61 years; five children, Bambi (Randy) Shoemaker, Robert III (Amy Heilman) Patrick, Jeffrey (Christine Rupp) Patrick, Lisa (Mike) Yarger, and Lana Matson (Roland Braun), all of the New Bethlehem area; twelve grandchildren, Molly (Lucas) Gasper of TN, Hattie (Will) Scardino of VA, Hannah (Jesse) Skursky of New Bethlehem, Naomi (Travis) Patrick, Robert IV (Kali) Patrick of New Bethlehem, Andrew (Marana) Patrick of Butler, Candace (Korban) Snyder, Jeremy Patrick, Travis (Brianna) Patrick, Ciarra Yarger, all of New Bethlehem, Roland Jr. and Grant (Braun); sixteen greatgrandchildren; his mother-in-law, Mable George of New Bethlehem; a sister, Marget Mae Shirey of Mayport; two nephews, Kenneth (Audrey) Shirey of KY, and Warren (Joyce) Shirey of Shannondale; a niece Karren Barrett of OH.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law Edwin George; brother-in-law John Shirey; a niece Janet Shirey; step-mother Gladys (Byerly) Patrick; an infant grandson Justin Matson; infant nephew, Carl Shirey,and his special “sidekick”, Tig, his cocker-spaniel.
Visitation will be from 1-2 pm on Monday, October 10, 2016, a memorial service will follow at 2 pm at the Oakland Church of God in Distant, with Pastor Jimmy Swogger officiating. Interment will be in the Oakland Cemetery.
The Alcorn Funeral Home in Hawthorn is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.alcornfuneralhome.com.
