Michael Arthur Patterson, 83, of Festus died April 28, 2023, at his home. Mr. Patterson was a retired autoworker for the Ford Motor Co. assembly plant in Hazelwood. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and was a member and former commander of Amvets Post 42 in Herculaneum. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. Born Dec. 19, 1939, in Herculaneum, he was the son of the late Katherine Marie (Shelley) and Arthur Patterson.
He is survived by his wife: Wandalee Faye (Blunt) Patterson; two daughters: Diana (the late Bob) Wagner and Susan Carter, both of Festus; a son: Kevin Michael (Connie) Zimpfer of Pevely; two brothers: Richard (Jan) Patterson of Florida and Robert (the late Patricia) Patterson of Festus; a sister: Patsy (the late Jim) Govero, formerly of Herculaneum; six grandchildren: Jeremy (Britney) Zimpfer, Jason (Niki) Boyer, Steven Killian, Kasey (Cassandra) Zimpfer, Lonnie Fitzgerald Jr. and Courtney Fitzgerald; and eight great-grandchildren: Rhylee Zimpfer, Chase Zimpfer, Aurianna Zimpfer, Bailey Thomas, Chloe Williams, Scarlet Fitzgerald, Noah Fitzgerald and Kingston Culton.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Tori Angela (Lonnie survives of Pevely) Fitzgerald; a son: Gregory Dean Zimpfer; a brother: Tommy (Pamela survives of Bourbon) Patterson; a sister: Corky (the late James) Mudd; and two grandsons: Michael Carter and Cody Zimpfer.
A celebration of life will be held later. Memorials may be made to Amvets Post 42, 690 Joachim Ave., Herculaneum, 63048. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.