Obituary of Joseph Joe Samuel

Joseph Samuel “Joe” Patterson was born on October 2, 1950 in Lewiston, Idaho to Clarence “Pat” William and Helen (Miller) Patterson. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 22, 2014 in Lacey, Washington at the age of 63 due to a heart attack that followed his struggle with terminal cancer. Joe lived in Shelton for the last 14 years. Before moving to Shelton, he resided in Reubens, Idaho from 1950-1965, and then spent the next 34 years in Lewiston, Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. Joe graduated from Lewiston High School in 1968. He was drafted and served his country as an infantryman in the US Army from 1970-1972, including a one-year tour in Vietnam from 1970-1971. Joe was awarded several medals, including the Army Commendation Medal and two Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged from the Army on January 17, 1972 at the rank of SP4. On July 18, 1975, he married Linda Lee Churchill-Meehan in Lewiston, Idaho. They raised six children, two sons and four daughters. Joe and Linda later divorced. Joe was a hard-working man. He held his first job in high school as the youngest shoe salesman at JC Penny’s in Lewiston, Idaho before being drafted for the Vietnam War. He provided for his family by owning Oasis Irrigation in Lewiston, and retired as a general contractor for commercial and residential construction companies. Joe enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, water skiing, working crossword puzzles and spending quality time with friends and family. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He loved to tell jokes and perform magic tricks. He was full of life and laughter, loved to entertain children and having his friends and family around. Although Joe was a stubborn man, he was very strong and loving, as well. He is survived by his sons, Kenneth Chad Patterson of Shelton, Washington, and Jeffrey Bond Meehan of Blue Springs, Missouri; daughters, Kimberly Dawn Patterson of Gig Harbor, Washington, Wendy Jo Patterson of Clarkston, Washington, Lori Michelle Meehan-Gamache of Prosser, Washington, and Melissa Lynn Meehan-Kimball of Vancouver, Washington; brothers, Terry Parsons of Texas, Leslie Sanders of Florida and Phillip Hurley of Florida; and sisters, Patricia Guier and Cheryl Adams, both from Lewiston, Idaho. Joe is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Taya Meehan, Erik Meehan, Sayge Patterson, Parker Gamache, Logan Kimball, Kylie Kimball, Sydney Gamache and Jackson Kimball. He is predeceased in death by his parents, Clarence “Pat” Patterson and Helen Miller-Parsons; and stepfather, Johnnie Parsons; sister, Christine Patterson; and brothers, Bill Patterson and Tracy Parsons. The family suggests memorial donations be made in Joe’s honor to Toys for Tots, or any organization that helps children during the holiday season. Please leave memories of Joe or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.