Harland Ray Patteson

Harland Ray Patteson passed away peacefully at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, the 31st of December 2024.

Harland was born on June 23rd, 1939, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur, Texas to Denver Ray and Ruth Beatrice Patteson. Harland was raised in Port Arthur and attended Trinity Lutheran School through the 8th grade and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1957. He then enlisted in The United States Marine Corp. Harland completed Boot Camp at Camp Pendelton, California and was then assigned and trained to become a member of the elite amphibious unit known as a “Recon Marine” at the Reconnaissance Training facility at Coronado, California. To be successful as a “Recon Marine” requires intellect, strength, endurance, skill, and teamwork, which are qualities Harland demonstrated not only while in the Marines, but throughout his life. Harland attended Lamar State College in Beaumont, Texas and graduated from Commonwealth College of Science in Houston, Texas, with Honors and was President of his class.

As a young person Harland enjoyed being active and involved. He completed all steps in the Boy Scout program and accomplished Eagle Scout by the young age of twelve. He was a scout master, taught lifesaving swimming, and actively participated in the youth programs of The Methodist Temple in Port Arthur, Texas. Harland was an avid learner and always interested in mastering new skills. He became certified as a licensed insurance adjuster, licensed real estate inspector, and studied banking operations. He loved working with tools and completing many carpentry projects.

Harland began his career as a licensed Funeral Director in Weslaco, Texas in April of 1961. In 1966, Harland accepted a position as a Process Operator at Firestone Chemical plant in Orange, Texas, where he worked for the next 19 years. During his time at Firestone, he worked part time in the Construction field which eventually led to him owning and operating his own Construction and Heavy Equipment business. He left Firestone to pursue these businesses full time in 1983.

Harland is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Denver Ray Patteson, and a very special aunt, Laura Rutherford, who he considered a second mother.

Harland is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, “Sweet Pea,” and his three daughters, five grandchildren, and two great grandsons. Harland chose the love of his life, Viola Claudine Smith, to become his wife in January of 1960. Harland and Claudine’s daughters are Stacie Prescott, married to Mark Prescott of Magnolia Texas, Kay DeCuir, married to Bruce DeCuir of Nederland, Texas, and Carol Hebert, married to Mike Hebert of Nederland, Texas. His grandchildren are Kasey Vernon, Kirby Tanner, Nicole Prescott, Candace Baumgardner, and Kristin Hebert. Harland’s great grandsons are Matthew Vernon and Luke Baumgardner. Spouses of the grandchildren are Andrew Vernon, Rachel Tanner, and Brandon Baumgardner.

A gathering of Mr. Patteson’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at Broussard’s. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.

Pallbearers are Mark Prescott, Bruce DeCuir, Mike Hebert, Kirby Tanner, Andrew Vernon, and Brandon Baumgardner. Honorary pallbearers are Gene Dartez, Jim Dartez, and Paul Roecker.

Harland was the role model husband, father, friend, and citizen. He had a great love for animals and for travel. He visited 48 of our 50 United States in his lifetime. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.