Robert Lee Patterson, Sr., age 81, of Paducah, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, 9:08 a.m., at Lourdes Hospital.
Mr. Patterson was the first African American Police Chief for the City of Paducah and in the State of Kentucky.
He was a member of Burks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served in the Brotherhood of the church. He was a graduate of the former Lincoln High School and was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Robert was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and was instrumental in starting the area’s “DARE” Program and the West Kentucky Narcotics Program.
He is survived by three sons, Robert Lee Patterson, Jr., Joseph D. Patterson and Milo D. Patterson, all of Paducah; two daughters, Tracey A. Jefferson and Je’Na Patterson-Cole, both of Paducah; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Reverend Joe Cole of Mt. Clemens, MI, Paul Patterson, Jr. and Michael Patterson, both of Paducah; three sisters, Beatrice White, Dorothy Young and Dimmia Patterson, all of Paducah; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Patterson, Sr. and Dorothy L. Bolen Patterson; one grandson; one great-grandson; one brother and three sisters.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2017, 1:00 p.m., at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend B. Kennedy officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
