Irvin B. Van Patten

Irvin B. Van Patten, 96, of Searcy went to be with his Lord on Feb. 7, 2013. He was born in Pangburn, Ark. March 7, 1916. He was preceded in death by his parents, I. B. and Linnie Ray Van Patten, his wife of 63 years, Kathryn Rogers, two brothers Herman and Dale and granddaughter Mandy Smith. Irvin moved to Searcy where he lettered in football at Searcy High School. He continued to wear his red lettered 1934 football sweater to homecoming games in Searcy until failing health in 2012. He attended Harding College where he played baseball, served on the Searcy City Council, was a volunteer fireman, was in business with is dad at Van Patten Motor Co. He served in the European Theater during WWII in the 16th Armored Division under General Patton. He co-owned the John Deere dealership, sang in the First United Methodist church choir for over 23 years, and served on the Administrative Board. Upon retirement he served as Veteran Service Officer for White County for 10 years. He was a member of the American Legion and helped with Boys and Girls State. He was active in the Eastern Star, Blue Lodge, Consistory, Shrine, and was a 33 degree Mason. He was a loving, supportive father to his three children, Mary Kay James, (Larry), Irvin, (Dea), of Houston and ReBecca Smith, (Bruce). He is survived by his brother, Leon Van Patten, three grand children, Deana Quattlebaum of Horn Lake, Miss., Chris James, (Lori) and Marcus James of Searcy. His five great grandchildren are: Molly, Gracie, Jackson, Lily and Kate James. His special friends were Letty Azanon and Stephanie Santizo. Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 from 4-6 p.m. at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Masonic Services will begin at 4 p.m. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church in Searcy. Internment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. For online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.