Harlen Keith Patterson

Harlen Keith Patterson, 63, of Almyra went to his Heavenly home January 31, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.  He fought a fierce battle with leukemia. He was born September 14, 1953 in DeWitt to H.C. "Hoover" and Mildred Eason Patterson. Keith was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Jimmie Don Patterson, and brother-in-law, Allen Whiting. Keith is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sheila Reed Patterson; four children, Meagan and Gary Padgett and Paige Patterson all of Almyra, and Slade Patterson of Marion; three precious grandchildren, Harlyn, Will, and Garrett Padgett; sister, Vicki Whiting of DeWitt; and family and friends too numerous to count. He farmed most of his life, but in the last few years worked as a salesman for Whitmore Fertilizer and as a ringman for Doug Stovesand Auctions. Keith was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in DeWitt, where he served in Men's Ministries. He was a member of LaGrue Hunting and Fishing Club and a board member of Acres of Help and Caring & Sharing Food Pantry. Keith loved to cook, and his friends and family reaped the benefits of that love! He never met a stranger and loved to share a story or a joke. His home and farm were where he loved to be. He loved his family, but especially his grandbabies more than anything. Our lives are richer for having known him. Keith chose to donate his body to UAMS for medical research. Memorial services for Keith will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 3 at First United Methodist Church in DeWitt. There will be a reception immediately following the memorial service in the fellowship hall. The family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 608 S. Grandview Dr., DeWitt, Ark. 72042 or Acres of Help Inc., P.O. Box 696, DeWitt, Ark. 72042. www.essexfuneralhome.com.