March 7, 1954 – May 28, 2026
Gary Don
Patterson
Gary D. Patterson, 72, of Grants, New Mexico, passed away peacefully in the warmth of his own home on May 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born on March 7, 1954, in Rifle, Colorado, to Gerald H. Patterson and Alva Cole Patterson, he would be the only son of this generation to carry the family name.
Gary was a hard worker who dedicated the first 15 years of his adult life to learning the craft of mining, following in the footsteps of his father. He worked under Kerr-McGee, Patty Martinez and several other companies before the uranium mines closed in 1989.
That same year, Gary purchased and renamed the “Patterson Oil Company,” a gas station off of Santa Fe Avenue that would become a cornerstone for the family and bring great pride to his life.
During the later years of his life Gary would be known for his helping hand, a man who could answer nearly any question asked of him, and someone who seemed able to master any trade he encountered.
He was a handyman, mechanic, contractor, architect, builder, hunter, fisherman, an outdoor connoisseur and the dependable voice of reason for those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his sister, Jerri Lynn Burke of Grants, New Mexico; his children, Ginger Patterson Vernon, Patrick Patterson, and Chelsea Patterson-White; the three grandchildren he raised, Andrew, Areya, and Alisa Patterson.
He is also survived by his grandchildren Anthony, Cheyenne, Ambra, Destiny, Jazlyn, Cassadee, Justin, his great-grandchild, Kaia.
Gary cherished the close bond and relationship that he had with his nieces, nephews and godchildren, whom he absolutely adored.
Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Norma J. Patterson; his grandson, Joshua Travis Vernon; and his parents, Gerald and Alva Patterson.
Services for Gary will be held Monday June 8, 2026 - 12:00 pm @the Elks -805 Charles St. Grants, New Mexico 87020