Royce H. Van Patten: Loving Husband, Father
Royce H. Van Patten, 82, of 8789 Stewart Rd., West
Clarksville, passed away Tuesday, January 08, 2019 at Olean General Hospital
after a lengthy illness.
Born on August 7, 1936, in Sherrill, New York, he was a son
of Henry and Bessie Perkins Van Patten.
On April 4, 1964, in the West Clarksville Baptist Church, he married his
wife of 54 years the former Crystal L. Stewart who survives.
After graduating from Santa Monica California High School he
joined United States Air Force serving from 1955 until 1979. While enlisted he was stationed in Binh Thuy
and Can Tho and the Republic of Vietnam.
He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Army and Air Force Good
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, RVN
Campaign and RVN Cross w/Palm, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force
Longevity Award, and Air Force Presidential Unit Commendation.
Royce was a proud member of the Military Honor Guard while
stationed at Griffiss AFB in Rome, New York and was a boy scout leader while
stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB in Michigan.
He had been employed by Cooper Industries, as an inspector,
retiring in 1989.
He was a former member of the Enchanted Mountain Square
Dance Club and Friends of the Cuba Library.
He was also a member of the West Clarksville Baptist Church, the Cuba
VFW Post 2721 and the Cuba American Legion Post 655.
He enjoyed quilting, wall murals, lawn work, gardening, jig
saw puzzles, and Civil War History. One
of his lifetime achievements included a 50-mile hike through the Porcupine
Mountains.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Nathan
(Kelly) Van Patten of Allegany and Eron (Colleen) Can Patten of Olean; a sister,
Barbara Hamby of Santa Clarita, CA; a brother in law Gael (Nancy) Stewart of Romney,
West Virginia and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents and a brother John Van Patten.
The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker
Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Friday,
January 11, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. and on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at the West
Clarksville Baptist Church 9005 Daggett Hollow Rd, Bolivar, from 10-11 a.m. at
which time funeral services will be held.
The Rev. Richard Keel, will officiate.
Burial will be in West Clarksville Cemetery.
Memorial suggestions include the Allegany County Cancer
Services, Clarksville Ambulance Squad, or to the Cuba American Legion. Online
condolences may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
