Carl Patterson, 91, of Cape Girardeau died Oct. 9, 2026, at St. Francis Medical Center. After graduating from De Soto High School in 1953, Mr. Patterson enlisted in the U.S. Marines from 1954 through 1957, achieving the rank of sergeant. After his military service, he attended Central Methodist College in Fayette and St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. He served Missouri United Methodist churches in Clifton Hill, Norborne, Osage Beach and Center (where he was elected mayor in the mid 1970’s). After obtaining a master's degree at the University of Missouri in Columbia, he became a continuing education specialist with University of Missouri Extension, further serving as associate (New London), area (Ironton) and regional director of UM Extension in southeastern Missouri in Cape Girardeau, retiring after 26 years in 1992. He volunteered in Cape County Election roles and with AARP Tax Consulting for the Elderly (further serving AARP in several roles, including Missouri Communications Coordinator and State Legislative Committee Member). In the days leading up to his death, he enjoyed many calls, visits and laughter with friends, family and pastors from New McKendree United Methodist, where he was a long-time member. Born May 2, 1935, in De Soto, he was the son of the late Carl Alexander and Beatrice Adeline (Walker) Patterson.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Shirley Ann Wigger Patterson, whom he married on March 3, 1956, at the First Baptist Church of De Soto.
He is survived by three sons: David Patterson of Bixby, Okla., Douglas (Donna) Patterson of Williams, Ariz., and Daniel (Tracey) Patterson of Katy, Texas; a daughter: Dori Upham of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren: Daniel Patterson, Carly (Ricky) Salthouse, Kyle Patterson, Samuel Patterson, Molly (Samuel Bevet) Patterson, Gregory (Lindsey) Bearce and Elizabeth Bearce; two great-grandchildren: Ian and Felicity; two brothers: George Patterson of De Soto and Tom (Donna) Patterson of Monett; and two sisters: Carolyn Hamel of St. Charles and Martha (Eddie) Queen of De Soto.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters: Betty Isslieb and Claudine Reynolds; and a grandson: Matthew Glenn Patterson.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at Ford & Sons, 1001 N. Mount Auburn Road, in Cape Girardeau. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at New McKendree UMC, 225 S. High St., in Jackson. Memorials may be made to Breaking Bonds at newmckendree.org/breaking-bonds. Arrangements are under the direction of Ford & Sons Funeral Home-Mount Auburn in Cape Girardeau.