Raymond Edward Patterson

Raymond Edward Patterson 91, of Peru, passed away peacefully at 10:35 a.m. on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at his home with daughters at his side.

He was born on July 22, 1930, in Peru, Indiana to Russell Calvin and Mary Veronica (Butzin) Patterson.  He was born and raised in Bloomfield and lived there all his life.  He was the “mayor” of the neighborhood.

He was married on March 24, 1950, in Peru, to Phyllis M. Moon and they enjoyed 56-1/2 years together.

He retired from Bryan Steam Corporation, Peru, in 1996 after 36-1/2 years.  During his employment there he drove steel tubes into boilers with a hammer and eventually operated an automatic tube bender.  After his retirement, some of “the guys” would stop by to chat with him, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

He was a great father, grandfather, Big Pawpaw and teacher, sharing his knowledge down through the generations.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, and keeping his lawn in “tip top” shape.  Another one of his enjoyments was the family tradition of hog butchering, typically done on Thanksgiving Day each year.  That tradition began at the family homestead with the four brothers and a sister and their married and single children and grandchildren. It was always a long day of hard work, but a good time had by all.

Survivors include his daughters, Carol (Walt) Miller, Diana Alfrey, and Jane (Jim) Babbs all of Peru; grandchildren Matthew Miller, Timothy Miller, Daniel Miller, Michelle Hayes, Johnny Alfrey, Curtis Babbs, Craig Babbs, Chad Babbs, twenty-one great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, brothers James, Henry (Bud), Norman and Russell, Jr., sisters Emma Lennon, Thena Chandler, Mary Lennon, great-granddaughter Corinna Miller, great-grandson Trintyn Hayes and son-in-law John Alfrey.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Riverview Funeral Home, 421 W. Canal St., Peru, Pastor Robert Clark officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Raymond's online guest book is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com .