Larry Wayne Patton

Larry Wayne Patton, 71, passed into the arms of Jesus at home on October 14, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. Services will be held at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Garden Room of Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Larry was born October 10, 1951 in Waco at Hillcrest Hospital. He attended elementary schools in Alice, Brownwood, Deer Park and finally Waco. He graduated from Richfield High School in 1969. He attended McLennan Community College for two years where he was a member of a local social fraternity, Sigma Delta Phi. Larry graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1973 where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned a BBA in Business Management with a minor in Economics.

After completing college graduation, Larry met Jackie Barrett - the love of his life. Larry pursued his “darlin” Jackie until she agreed to go to a dance with him and eventually to marry him on March 18, 1978. Five years later, in April of 1983, they welcomed their greatest blessing, Lindsey.

Larry worked for oil related businesses while they lived in Houston. After moving to Waco in 1986, he worked in the manufacturing sector with his last job being at Easy Gardener until his illness forced early retirement in 1998.

For many years, the Pattons were members of First Baptist Woodway where they made lifelong family friends. While there, Larry had the privilege of teaching Sunday School. Then, after his illness, he and Jackie joined Journey Christian Community, where they were embraced by a cherished faith community.

Larry had a passion for fishing, hunting, singing and most of all, spending time with his family. He had an infectious smile and a quick wit that charmed everyone he met. His booming voice and laugh filled every room with joy. His love of fishing was legendary. And, as his expertise in the sport improved, the fish somehow managed to get bigger and bigger. Though he loved a great catch, the true joy in this hobby was the time he got to spend building close relationships with friends and family. He once shared that his worst day of fishing was better than almost anything else. Up until his last days, Larry’s love for Jesus shined through in his words and in the beloved hymns he sang with all who visited him.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Bettye Patton and sister, Janine Patton.

He is survived by his wife, Jackie Barrett Patton; daughter Lindsey Patton Stevens and her husband Cal Stevens; grandchildren, Lilly Claire Stevens and Lane Barrett Stevens; brother David Patton and his wife Pat, and sister Kathi Patton.

Larry is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, and nephews and an abundance of friends that span the decades.

Larry was loved and cared for well by many friends and family over the years. His family extends deep gratitude to each of these treasured loved ones. A special thanks to Community Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion.

Pallbearers will be Ken Abood, Mark Barrett, Matt Barrett, Geoffrey Henningsen, Vernon King, and Steve Short.

Memorials may be made to Journey to the Streets at www.journeytothestreets-waco.org and Friends for Life at www.friendsforlife.org.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our Tribute Wall at www.WHBfamily.com.