Richard A. Patterson, “Dickie Jo” “Papaw Dick”, 73, of Mt. Summit passed away unexpectedly following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident, when a motorist pulled out in front of him, on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. He was born on February 2, 1949 in New Castle to the late Bill and Mary (Burroughs) Patterson.
Dick grew up exploring the streets of Mooreland, IN with his life long friends. In 1967, he graduated from Blue River High School where he excelled in athletics and mischief. He even received a scholarship to play football in college, due to his running abilities, but had to end his schooling prematurely to come back home and work to help his family. Shortly thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart. Together they had two daughters that Dick absolutely adored.
Throughout Dick’s life he had many interests and was passionate about all of them. He raced motorcycles, go-carts, and later in life he built a drag truck. He was very involved in his community as a member of the Lion’s Club, being a good neighbor, coaching, and even was the Spiceland Town Marshall at one time. Dick loved to work with the youth and had a huge impact on many lives. Whether he was coaching little league, girls basketball, or girls softball, he gave his whole heart always. He knew no other way.
Dick was mechanically inclined and could fix pretty much anything. Anytime a friend or neighbor needed something worked on, he was the first one to help. He got great pleasure knowing he was able to help someone or make something better. He also found joy in photography and flying. He became a licensed pilot when his girls were young.
Dick started working at Chrysler as a young man and retired in 2001. Throughout his life he also worked as a lineman and even did some farming for a few years on the side. He is what you call, “Jack of all trades”.
Anyone who knew Dick, knows he lived his life to the fullest, and marched to the beat of his own drum. He loved to watch his grandkids play sports, hang out with his friends at the Dog House, listen to live music, and sing karaoke.
If Dick liked you, you could not have a more loyal friend. If he didn’t like you, then he could pack one hell of a punch. Dick never met a stranger and he was everyone’s “Papaw Dick”. More than anything, Dick loved his girls and his grandkids. He loved to talk about their accomplishments and all of the exciting things happening in their lives. Dad, Dickie Jo, Papaw Dick, and friend to all…..live free and ride hard and as his granddaughter Harper Jo said, “at least you got to go to heaven on your motorcycle.”
He is survived by two daughters, Amy (Bill) Upchurch and Megan (Bobby) Chandler; grandchildren, Halle Chandler, Max and Gus Upchurch, Hank and Harper Chandler; sisters, Shirley Chandler and Patty Mahaffey; nephews, Gregg (Karla) Moore and Ralph Mahaffey Jr.; great nephews, Blake and Dylan Moore.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2022 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 30 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Brick Cemetery near Hagerstown. Family and friends are invited to join in one last ride with Dickie Jo following the service to the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Riley Children’s Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or Fortune Fund. You may express condolences or share a memory of Dickie Jo at
www.hinsey-brown.com
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