Oliver Edward Patten, Jr.

23 Psalm The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Why Lord

A believer suffered a loss he couldn’t explain and began to exclaim Why Lord Do we have to endure a life so unsure and brief?

Why Lord Do you let children die causing unbelief and grief Why Lord Did you ever unchain the gates of the Kingdom where evil does resign?

Why Lord Must I suffer the enemies’ arrows that aim at my body and brain?

Then the Lord heard their cries by and the comforter came. (Psalm 34:4-6) To relieve them of pain and explain The comfort and warmth of the Spirit can sole them Ministered to and internally told them, The time you are here is just part of a lesson.

After testing your faith, The Lord allows your progression.

How can there be a test if there’s no testimony?

And overcoming a challenge shows you know you’ve been blessed Once you’ve done well and good and have fulfilled your fate Your loved ones should celebrate as they watch you graduate.

Your time spent in life was a gift from The Creator, To get to know the face of your Maker before, returning to Him later.

But for those you leave upon this world, to carry your memory on It doesn’t feel like a graduation. They need to consolation Because all they now know is you’re gone.

Though you can rest assured in time, I will comfort them as I have you And I’ll renew their point of view, and redefine all that you’ve been through.

So when they think of you from now on there will be fewer tears.

They smile a while and reflect on what you said through the years, and they too will graduate from saying Why Lord did you take them from me?

To saying “Why Lord, to have had them this long was a gift…”

But I’m glad they’re now free

C

herished Memories

RL

eflections of ife

Oliver Edward Patten, Jr.

was born May 15, 1929, to the late Oliver Edward Patten Sr. and Ruby White Patten in Memphis, Tennessee. He was the oldest of four siblings born to this union.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at an early age and joined the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Orange Mound, under the pastorate of the late Rev. A.D. Bell where he remained a member until his passing on October 10, 2016.

He Graduated from Melrose High School in 1947 and attended Lemoyne Owen College from 1947-1949. He played football at the college for two seasons.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Ollie Marie (Turner) Patten and to this union he and his wife were blessed with a loving family.

He joined the United States Army in 1954. He completed two tours of duty in Germany, served in Korea and fought in the Vietnam War. Oliver retired in 1974 from the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant.

After retirement from the military, Oliver moved back to Memphis and worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 22 years. He retired from the Post Office in 1992 Family and friends remember Oliver as a very hard workingman. Even as a child, he valued opportunities to work, sometimes leaving school early to be the first to find available jobs.

Until he was physically unable, one might find him doing landscape work or assisting a neighbor or friend with home repairs during his off time.

Oliver was a complex man who spoke emphatically about what he believed to be true.

He had an infectious, hearty laugh and a very dry wit. Those who knew and loved him understood him and his way. He was a sports fan and particularly enjoyed watching baseball, football, and boxing over the years with his family. He also enjoyed watching black and white movies. Oliver was a lifetime member of the NAACP. Additionally, he was a bit of a political pundit and voiced strong opinions about national affairs.

Oliver is preceded in death by his sons; Carl Eugene Patten Vietnam (1970) and Oliver Patten III, (2014), and sister, Mavis Patten Clark (2008).

Oliver will be remembered by his family, including his daughters, Gwendolyn J. Patten Taylor (Willie), Gloria J. Patten Taylor (John), Linda F. Patten Jones (Melvin), his two brothers, Dr. Frederick C. Patten and Warren White Patten Sr., He also leaves to cherish his memory, 10 grand-children, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great grand-child, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Celebration of Life

Oliver Edward Patten Jr. Thursday, October 20, 2016 10:00 A.M.

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church

2634 Carnes Avenue • Memphis, Tennessee 38114

Pastor Harvey B. Jackson ~Officiating~

The Prelude The Processional The Scriptures:

Old & New Testament.......................................................Reverend Paula Huntspon Prayer of Faith.......................................................................................Pastor Melvin Jones

Victory in Christ Christian Church

Song Words of Comfort....................................................................................Elder Carl Patten, II

Expressions of Comfort Niece - Mona Wilson

Reading of Obituary ~Soft Music~

Acknowledgements Song Eulogy.............................................................................................Pastor Harvey B. Jackson Song Recessional

~Acknowledgements ~

We would like to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks for your prayers and support during a very difficult time for our family. We sincerely appreciate your sentiments of love, concern, and kindness. May God richly bless each of you.

Exceptional Thanks To A Special Friend, Barbara Richards.

~ The Family

~ Honorary Pallbearers ~ John Tarylor, jr. Justin McCray Kari Smith

~Active Pallbearers ~

Lee Smith Brian Pritchett Giffard Smith

~Before Repast ~ Interment

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 2634 Carnes Avenue Memphis, Tennessee 38114

~Interment ~ Military Honors

Thursday, October 20, 2016 • 2:00 P.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill-Irene Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38125

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