John Robert Patteson
John Robert Patteson, 96, of Hardy, Virginia (and previously Falls Church, Virginia), passed away on November 23, 2025, surrounded by family and the love of his devoted wife, Doris. He lived a life of quiet strength centered on family, humility, service, and extraordinary kindness. Born on August 21, 1929, in Big Stone Gap, VA, John was the youngest of eight children born to Samuel Alvious Patteson and Minnie Lee French Patteson.A proud graduate of Virginia Tech, John earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 1951 as a member of the Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served as the commanding officer of his post in the Engineering Corps during the Korean War, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to service, discipline, and integrity.In 1951, John married Nancy Joel Halsey of Grassy Creek, North Carolina. Together they welcomed five children: Patricia Lynn, Cheryl Marie, Gary Wade, David Mark, and James Walter. When their marriage ended in 1968, John lovingly raised all five children on his own. He ensured that each received a college education and, for many, graduate degrees - more than 30 collective years of schooling that he proudly and selflessly supported.Professionally, John was a giant in the engineering world. Over the course of his distinguished career, he worked for Dewberry, Nealon & Davis Engineering, for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and for several Northern Virginia communities. John played a key role in designing water and sewer systems that continue to serve millions, as well as the transit system that supports the entire Washington, D.C. metro region. His professional legacy is as vast as it is lasting.In 1980, John met the love of his life, Doris Wilson. They were married on December 18, 1980, beginning a 45-year partnership defined by deep affection, warmth, and unwavering support. Doris quickly became an integral part of the family, embracing her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother with grace and wholehearted love. She remained faithfully by John’s side, providing constant encouragement, comfort, and care until his final days. The family is profoundly grateful for her devotion.John was known by all for his gentle spirit, generous heart, and quick sense of humor. He was quick to form lasting friendships with everyone he met. He delighted in game nights, especially when he could celebrate a hard-fought Rummikub win. He loved hosting family at the lake, where laughter, storytelling, games, and eating too much of Doris’ deserts became treasured traditions. As “Grandpa John,” he was the first to get down on the floor to play, to read a story, or to let his grandchildren and great-grandchildren style what little hair he had left. His love was boundless, steady, and felt deeply by every member of his large family and his friends.John also adored his cats, Grayson and Cotton, who were constant companions and a source of comfort and joy.He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Doris Wilson Patteson; his five children and their spouses – Patricia and Barry Hanan, Cheryl Patteson and Gary Reedy, Gary Patteson, David Patteson and Becky Taylor, James Patteson and Mary Stinnett; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and an extended family and circle of friends who cherished him. His legacy lives on in the systems he engineered, the lives he touched, and the family he nurtured with unwavering devotion.A celebration of John’s life will be held on December 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Ecumenical Parish 40 Lakemount Drive Moneta, VA 24121John Patteson will be remembered for his compassion, patience, wit, deep sense of duty, and the immeasurable love he extended to others. He will be greatly missed and always dearly remembered.Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.
