Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

WOOSTER – Stephen L. Steve Patterson, 73, of Wooster, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2020, at LifeCare Hospice due to complications from cancer.
Steve was born on February 1, 1947 to the late Willis and Nina Patterson in Wooster, Ohio. He married Ethel Morrison on March 4, 1972 in Cleveland. Steve loved to travel with Ethel and they went on different adventures together creating cherished memories.
He spent his sophomore year at Greenbrier Military School before graduating from Wooster High School in 1965. After graduation, Steve attended Lindsey Wilson College before serving in the U.S. Army where he spent a year in Vietnam. Steve also attended the University of Akron.
After completing his Army service in Cleveland, he worked locally in Wooster before starting his 30-plus year tenure in car sales. Steve was very proud of being a partner of the Steve Patterson Auto Group with his beloved friend, Gary Underhill. Steve continued to work under Gary at EZ Pay Buildings as a Regional Representative.   During his tenure at EZ Pay Buildings, Steve was grateful to have established friendships with his clients in Virginia, North and South Carolina.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ethel (Morrison); 3 children, Shelley Patterson of Jupiter, FL, Ann (Adam) Hinkel of Aurora, CO, Stephanie Patterson of Wooster. He leaves behind three beloved dogs, Bay-Li, Car-Li, and Hay-Li as well as his grandpets. Also surviving are his siblings, Patricia (William) Gott, Kent (Patricia) Patterson, and Susan R. Jones as well as numerous extended family members and friends.
Anyone who knew Steve knew that he had a wonderful sense of humor and he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for.
Steve was a passionate golfer and could often be found on the links when he wasn’t at home. He expanded his love of the game as early as 11 when he started working as a caddy at the Wooster Country Club. Steve loved his sports, especially Ohio State Buckeye football, College of Wooster basketball, and Cleveland sports teams.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his coworkers and friends, Wooster High School Class of 1965, the Dunn Brothers family, Dr. Joseph Prah, Tyra Schlabach, the staff at the James Cancer Center at Wooster Community Hospital and the compassionate team at LifeCare Hospice of Wooster.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in Steve’s name to Wooster Community Hospital Cancer Care Programs either via mail or online.
There will not be any calling hours. His family is arranging a private burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.   The family would appreciate it if you would tee one off for Steve the next time you are on the golf course.

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in Steve’s name to Wooster Community Hospital Cancer Care Programs either via mail or online.

Service
Private Family Services

Visitation
No calling hours

31 Comments

  1. We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was such a kind, decent and upbeat man. He was a real asset to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him including those of us in the WHS Class of 1965. In recent years, we always enjoyed spending a bit of time with him at the annual class picnic. We hope that your wonderful memories will soon bring you smiles.

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  2. I’m can hardly remember a time when I did not know Steve. He will always be in my memory as incredibly kind and always funny. He was always so proud of his family and his dogs.
    I always loved seeing all of his Facebook pictures at different sporting vents. We need more people in this world like Steve. He will be sorely missed. My sincere sympathy to all his family.

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  3. Trying to pinpoint the beginning of my friendship with Steve is like finding the North Star on a foggy sea.
    However, that friendship was very special and lasting–like Steve’s uncanny ability to weave such a tapestry
    of friends in his life’s quilt. Yes he will be missed but his endearing interest in all of us will never fail to make us smile. Thank you, Steve, for being YOU.

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  4. We were sad to hear of Steve’s passing. He always had a smile and we enjoyed the limited time we knew him due to the distance we lived. We bonded over the Tribe and the Cavs and loved him and Ethel as well. My mom loved him as well and he was always super kind to her. Our best to Steve’s family and know that we won’t forget Steve or his sense of humor.

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  5. I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a very special man and I always enjoyed his visits to our office. He will be sorely missed. My prayers to your family.

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  6. Steve was a great guy, alway had a kind word to say, and that humor. I will miss him checking in with me from time to time just to see how things are. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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  7. Steve graduated ’65 and I graduated ’64 from WHS. He was so attentive and friendly during our many interactions, I often forgot he was one year behind me. I remember his warm smile and amazing kindness. My thoughts and prayers with Steve and his family.

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  8. I remember Steve from WHS in the 1960s. We spent a lot of time together along with his sister Pat at Christmas Run Pool. Steve was one of the funniest guys I knew. He always had a joke….mainly on you…..We had some great times and I will miss him. My heart goes out to the Patterson family.

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  9. Steve was one of the kindest people I knew. He loved his family so much and in their sadness, I hope they take comfort. I will miss Steve and his text asking if we were all right out of the blue. I will miss my BINGO buddy at our yearly class picnics. I will miss his friendship.

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  10. Steve, was a childhood friend of mine growing up in Wooster. We were friends for life. When I came back to visit family and friends in Wooster I would occasionally see Steve. A big smile, handshake or hug were always the case with him. I’m sorry to hear of his passing. I will miss him but my fond memories will carry my thoughts always. My prayers are for his wife and family.

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  11. Growing up, as children, our families were very close. We all have very fond memories of going to the Patterson home or they coming to our house. Lots of good play time! Steve was always active, talkative and fun to be with! He added a lot of life to our times together. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go to his entire family, as I know he will be dearly missed. Thank you, Steve, for touching all of our lives in a special way.

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  12. My name is John Blair. I met Steve and Gary concerning business with my company in 2011. Not only did we immediately become friends but maintained a very close friendly relationship over the past 10 years. I think because we are all a year apart in age and served in Vietnam during the same years. Of course I was in Marine Corp Ha! We had a lot in common, our marriage to same lady for 50 year. Steve, Gary, My boss Tony and I visited the masters 2 years in roll. We had so much fun and our friendship grew. I am so honored to have been a friend of Steve. One of nicest person I ever met. I will truly miss him. God will certainly enjoy having Steve around. God Bless Steve Family.

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  13. Steve and Ethel were terrific neighbors for us, and Steve always found a “good deal” when we were car shopping. We are very sorry for everyone’s loss of this wonderful man.

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  14. We were so very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing.
    As children, our families were close and spent much time together. Remember the identical blue stationwagons both families had.

    When we moved back to Wooster, we would see Steve at many College of Wooster basketball games. He always made it a point to say hello.

    We so appreciated Steve’s great sense of humor and his friendliness.

    Our thoughts and prayer are with you in his passing.

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  15. So sorry to see that Steve has passed. He was a friend to all. I was Class of 66. Pat, you were such a good sister and mentor to me at the pool. I wish your whole family will only remember his warm smile and kindness. Peace.

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  16. I am so very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. My condolencse to Ethel and her entire family. Steve was a funny guy. Can remember times my late husband and myself would spend time with Steve and Ethel, we had good times.

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  17. We first met Steve when he and Ethel moved in next door to us. Since that time in the early 80s He has been a great friend. His good natured spirit was special. The travel we did and golf will always give us happy memories. Steve was one of a kind and the world was a better place with him. We know how tough it is for Ethel and the girls and are so sorry for their loss.

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  18. Steve was a special friend. I always enjoyed being around him and still retell a few of my favorite jokes or sayings from him. My sincerest condolences for the family and prayers that the Lord will strengthen and comfort you all during this difficult time.

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  19. Steve was a special friend. I always enjoyed being around him and still retell a few of my favorite jokes or sayings from him. My sincerest condolences for the family and prayers that the Lord will strengthen and comfort you all during this difficult time.

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  20. Steve was a dear friend to many of us in the Class of ’65 … always providing comedic relief and social wisdom whenever his friends took themselves too seriously…in life, in leisure, in sports with family, friends, and all he touched. Personally, I am glad he was part of my life and feel the better for it. He was a matchmaker for my wife and I when I brought her home to Wooster for the first time…at the Ranch.

    I hope many will share their memories of Steve…a special person…with the rest of us. If you have a thought or memory, please scroll down this list to click “Add New Condolence”…humor would befit him.

    The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known…and it will be even more fun with Steve in the crowd…selling cars, playing golf, and tracking the Buckeyes with family and friends…the first touchdown of the season will be his.

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  21. Steve and I went back to the glory days of Parkview School. I recall that Steve had some cancer issues for the past couple of years. Steve spent most of his adult life in automotive sales and several years ago had his own Plymouth / Chrysler dealership in Ashland, OH. Steve was the youngest of three children with an older sister, Sue, a member of the WHS Class of 63 and older brother Kent, a member of the Class of 62. Kent became a member of the Ohio Highway Patrol and has been retired for several years. Sue was married to her classmate Doug Jones. Doug and Sue were married for a number of years and now have been divorced for a number of years. Parkview School was built in 1954 and about that time the Patterson family won the Grand Prize of a T.V. game show called “Feather Your Nest”( now there is a name out of the past)…..The Patterson family.won a completely furnished house and home which was built on the corner of Northwestern Ave. and Hamilton Ave. Steve’s backyard was adjacent to the Parkview School playground.. Steve was a well-liked fellow in the class of 65 and ran around with Randy Huffman, Brad Yund and Ed “Shifty” Schaaf, to name a few………….. Steve was a good man and he will be missed !!

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  22. Steve and I went back to the glory days of Parkview School. I recall that Steve had some cancer issues for the past couple of years. Steve spent most of his adult life in automotive sales and several years ago had his own Plymouth / Chrysler dealership in Ashland, OH. Steve was the youngest of three children with an older sister, Sue, a member of the WHS Class of 63 and older brother Kent, a member of the Class of 62. Kent became a member of the Ohio Highway Patrol and has been retired for several years. Sue was married to her classmate Doug Jones. Doug and Sue were married for a number of years and now have been divorced for a number of years. Parkview School was built in 1954 and about that time the Patterson family won the Grand Prize of a T.V. game show called “Feather Your Nest”( now there is a name out of the past)…..The Patterson family.won a completely furnished house and home which was built on the corner of Northwestern Ave. and Hamilton Ave. Steve’s backyard was adjacent to the Parkview School playground.. Steve was a well-liked fellow in the class of 65 and ran around with Randy Huffman, Brad Yund and Ed “Shifty” Schaaf, to name a few………….. Steve was a good man and he will be missed !!

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  23. So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. As a nearby neighbor on Hamilton Avenue during our high school days we would often walk to school together … 2.5 miles & uphill both ways because we walked through the city park. Steve usually had me in a good mood by the time we got to the high school; his sense of humor was legendary!! Although the years & miles have separated us over the past 50 years I would hear his name mentioned and the thought of our high school friendship would bring a smile to my face. Hopefully, we’ll get to joke around together in Heaven!! 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
    “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

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  24. I hope that Steve’s family is finding some comfort in all of the letters of condolence from people whose lives were enriched by knowing, prlaying, or working with Steve. My recollections are from such a long time ago, but I have a very clear image of the Steve that I knew as a member of WHS class of 65. Steve was one of those rare people who was liked by everyone, and was consistently in a good mood. Not that he always had a smile on his face, but there was a look of amusement that sparkled from his eyes. I wish that I had had the good fortune of knowing him past high school as have many of you. But I still see him leaning forward into a very determined gait. I remember Mike Berger having a similar stride, and although I had no knowlege of this at the time, I can imagine them matching steps perfectly on their walks to and from school. So I will continue to remember him this way, spreading kindness, good humor and friendship with every step. God bless you Steve and keep you in His care.

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  25. Seeing Steve at class reunions when I returned home to Wooster was always a joy. There was always something to talk about and enjoy some laughter. Most recently it was the College of Wooster basketball team. I never talked him into attending the volleyball matches our daughter was coaching at the same college. William and I send our sincere condolences to Steve’s dear family of whom he was so very proud.

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  26. I really enjoyed reconnecting with Steve the last few years. A really good guy. He loved his family and lived life to the fullest. My condolences to his family. He will be missed by a lot of people.

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  27. My last memory of Steve was this year at the College of Wooster vs. Wabash Basketball game. He stopped in the aisle to tell Stan Miller and myself that he had just spoken with Mac Petty (former WHS player and former coach of Wabash) across the gym.

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  28. Steve was a man that brought joy and laughter into everyone’s lives. I always looked forward to visiting with him. He was an honest man who made the world better. Will miss him.

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  29. They broke the mold when they made Steve. A unique, funny, friendly and gracious man. Our condolences to the family. We’ve lost a smile maker.

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  30. Steve was such a fun guy to be around. I had the privilege of working with him in the shed business for several years. We were cart buddies every time we would play golf together, mainly because we both enjoyed fine cigars (until his COPD kicked in). He was so quick-witted and always had a joke on standby. We liked to eat at Carrabba’s and we would pick on him for always ordering double mashed potatoes instead of anything green. My wife and I recently went to another restaurant, Green Valley Grill, that he and Steph would invite us to. It made me sad to think that we would never enjoy a meal there again. Christmas was always special because Steve would meet us, usually with Steph to keep him in line, and would give us copious amounts of Stephanie’s amazing canned goodness! I will certainly think of my Cart Buddy Steve the next time I tee off at our normal course, Grandover Resort. My prayers are with Steve’s friends and family.

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