Perry Hal Patterson

CARBONDALE – Perry Hal Patterson, 84, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Perry was born on April 4, 1941, to Hal Raymond and Bessie Marie (Cummins) Patterson in Athensville, IL. He married Susan Mary Switzer on June 18, 1966, in Murphysboro.

Perry is survived by his wife Susan Mary, daughter Jennifer Hazel Patterson of Murphysboro, IL; daughter Katy Marie and son-in-law Steve Keller of Saint Charles, MO; grandsons Owen Christopher and Noah Perry Keller; sister Irene Marconnet of Longmont, CO; sister Mary Ellen Swanson of Glendale, AZ; brother-in-law Edward Marconnet of Wauwatosa, WI; sister-in-law Sharon Patterson of Porterville, CA, and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hal and Marie Patterson, brother Randall Patterson, sister Ilene Marconnet, brother-in-law Bob Marconnet, and cousin Darrell Bartz.

Perry grew up in the small farming community of Saunemin, Illinois. After graduating high school, he served his country in the Air Force from 1961-65. He then attended SIU-C where he earned an accounting degree and where he also met his future wife and began a marriage that lasted 59 wonderful years.

His role as a supportive husband and partner to wife Susan was evenly matched by his role as father. When daughters Jennifer Hazel and Katy Marie were born, Perry exemplified a loving, funny, and thoughtful Dad whose kindness and care made his whole family feel special.

He later earned a masters in Rehabilitation Administration and spent many years at the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission, from which he retired. His career was devoted to and centered around making certain that adults with disabilities received the help they needed.

When his grandchildren Owen and Noah were born, he was delighted. Becoming “Papa” came naturally to him: he listened, he guided, and he always cheered them on. He was a dedicated Cardinals and Salukis fan and loved a competitive game of croquet in the back yard. Spending time outside, both at work and at play, was central to his retired life.

Perry was a member of Murphysboro United Methodist Church for almost 50 years, devoting his time, energy, and expertise to a number of projects and committees.

A celebration of Perry’s life will take place on Saturday, September 6, at the United Methodist Church in Murphysboro, with Pastor Michelle Parker-Clark officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, and the service will follow. Inurnment will take place at Dutch Ridge Cemetery immediately afterward. A luncheon will take place at the church after the inurnment.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the USO or the Murphysboro United Methodist Church.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Perry, visit www.meredithfh.com