Harold E. Patterson, 79, former mayor of Arlington, passed away Friday, March 20, 2009, to be with our Lord.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Arlington. Private interment in Old Arlington Cemetery.

Visitation: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Arlington Funeral Home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 5801 Mount Carmel Drive, Arlington, Texas 76017.

Harold was born March 27, 1929, in Arlington to William T. and Mary J. Patterson. He was the youngest of 14 children; seven brothers, six sisters, all predeceasing him. His, Billy Patterson, died as an infant in 1950.

Harold's dad died when he was only 8 years old. He left high school in the 11th grade to help support his mother. Harold served two years in the United States Marine Corps before returning to Arlington to be with his family.

He was the president of four different banks in Arlington, president of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, president of the Arlington Lions Club, president of the Arlington Boys Club, member of the education advisory board of the Arlington Independent School District and member of the Arlington Parks and Recreation Board.

Most recently he served as a board member on the Tarrant Appraisal Board. He served 20 years (1966-1987) on the Arlington City Council. From 1977-1983 he served as mayor pro tem. From 1977-1983 he served as mayor.

In 1992, at the age of 63, Harold completed his GED, keeping a promise he had made his mother when he left high school in the 11th grade. Harold served as a GED spokesperson, "It is never too late to learn," for several years encouraging others to finish their high school education.

Actively involved in all aspects of community, Harold was recognized as an Outstanding Young Man of Arlington and Citizen of the Year of Arlington. He was honored for his dedicated service to the board of directors for the Arlington Community Hospital.

The Harold Patterson Sport Center Complex in South Arlington is named in his honor.
Survivors: Wife of 60 years and the love of his life, Louise Patterson; son, Michael H. Patterson and wife, Debi; daughter, Teresa Schmidt and husband, Steve; grandsons, Ryan Schmidt and wife, Denise, Josh, Tyler, Travis and Chase Patterson; granddaughter, Tiffany Pumphrey and husband, Ryan; and great-granddaughter, Hannah Pumphrey.
Published in Star-Telegram from 3/21 to 3/22/2009