Donald Lee Patterson

Donald “Donnie” L. Patterson, 70, of Gettysburg, went home to be with the Lord on the evening of Friday, March 22, 2024.

He was born on May 23, 1953, in Gettysburg, son of the late Harry and Sarah Jane (Tressler) Patterson. Donnie was a senior at Biglerville High School when he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force base in Texas and was stationed in South Carolina. He was married to Gayle L. (Jacoby) Patterson for 35 years until her passing in 2016.

Donnie operated his own business, Patterson’s Hauling and Backhoe Works for many years before driving tractor trailer for Stephens Orchard’s and GVM in Biglerville. His CB handle was Midnight Rider. Donnie retired from being a State Certified Crane Operator in 2022 from Houck Specialty Contractor’s after 22 years.

Over the years Donnie enjoyed hunting, music, fishing, bowling, roller-skating, playing bingo and cards. He was a big drag racing fan and attended numerous events including when he drove a dragster down the track at Maple Grove Raceway. He collected Elvis, Bruce Lee, Allman Brothers Band, and Big Daddy Don Garlits memorabilia. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He spent many years with Gayle and his family at their cabin retreat on “Bald Eagle Mountain” in Beech Creek, PA.

He was a master storyteller and always knew the right joke to make people laugh. He loved to share his personal testimony and was a long-standing member of Freedom Valley Church in Gettysburg. Donnie and Gayle were youth sports coaches and taught in various kid’s ministries. He was a wrestler in high school. He was a member of the Fairfield AMVETS Post 172 and American Legion Post 262 in Biglerville.

He is survived by his five children, Elisha (Bruce) Blankenship of Gettysburg, Sommer (Pat) McGuire of Mechanicsburg, Elijah (Brittney) Patterson of Dover, Isaac (partner Kristen) Patterson of Dillsburg, and Jonah Patterson of Arendtsville; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four siblings, Tim (Trudy) Patterson, Clara (late Homer) Kelly, Helen (Harold) Weaver, Rita (Gary) Sullivan; sister-in-law, Gloria Patterson; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by three siblings, Anna Margaret Patterson, Jim Patterson, and Tom Patterson.

Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., 111 South Main St., Bendersville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Gettysburg Church of the Brethren, 1710 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg, with Pastor Gerry Stoltzfoos officiating, followed by the Graveside Service at Benders Church Cemetery, Biglerville. A Public Viewing from 11:00 AM until time of services. A luncheon meal will be provided following the graveside service back at the church. Military Honors will be provided by Adams County Allied Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may express online condolences at www.DuganFH.com.