C. Edwin Patchin passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008, at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mt. Vernon, Mo., where he had resided for the past two years.

Ed was born Oct. 14, 1925, to the late Clarence D. and Nora Elizabeth (Fuller) Patchin of Joplin, Mo.  Ed graduated from Joplin High School in 1943.

On Feb. 14, 1948, at the First Baptist Church in Joplin, Ed was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Lowe. To this union three daughters were born, Karen Beck Watson, Melissa (Missy) Patchin Scearcy, and Gena Beth Patchin Brown. 

Ed professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at the First Christian Church of Joplin on April 16, 1939. Ed continued to serve the Lord throughout his entire life. Upon his marriage to Patricia, they placed their membership at South Joplin Christian Church. Ed was a servant leader as a Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Elder Emeritus. 
   

Ed was a natural athlete and after graduating from high school was signed by the Triple-A farm club of the Boston Red Sox and played in Kingsport, Tenn.  As World War II loomed large, Ed joined the United States Army Air Corps in Dec. of 1943, and was stationed at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, Mo., where he was a tail gunner.  During his service he was assigned as an athletic instructor and played on various teams of the Army.  He served on 18 bases in three years playing baseball, softball, and football. Ed was discharged in April of 1946.
   

Ed joined the Naval Reserve in 1949, and was called to active duty to serve in the Korean Conflict in 1951. He served aboard the U.S.S. Los Angeles off the coastal waters of the Korean Peninsula.
   

After being discharged in 1953, Ed returned home to begin working for the United States Postal Service in the Joplin office. He worked there and at the Neosho Post Office for the next 36 years, retiring in 1988.
   

Ed was also actively involved in the American Legion Post 13 for over 50 years; the V.F.W.; and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
   

In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Patricia; and one brother, Bill Patchin. 
   

Ed is survived by three daughters, Karen Beck Watson of Carthage, Mo., Melissa Scearcy and her husband, Stephen, Kansas City, Mo., Gena Beth Brown and her husband, David L., Richland, Mo.; grandchildren, Justin Beck and his wife, Betsy, Carl Junction, Joshua Beck and his wife, Stefanie, Springfield, Mo., Nate, Charlie, and Zac Scearcy, all of Kansas City, Mo., Garrett and Greyson Brown of Richland, Mo.; his brother-in-law, Richard Lowe and his wife, JoAnn, Joplin; a sister-in-law, Helen Lowe, Joplin; and several nieces and nephews. 
   

Services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 27, at South Joplin Christian Church. Jill Cameron-Michel, Minister and Pastor David L. Brown will officiate. Entombment will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Parker Mortuary.  Pallbearers will be Justin Beck, Joshua Beck, Nate Scearcy, Charlie Scearcy, Steven Patchin, and Rex Patchin.  Honorary pallbearers will be Garrett Brown, Greyson Brown, Zac Scearcy, Richard E. Lowe, and Earl Patchin. Military honors will be provided by the Robert S. Thurman American Legion Post #13. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the C. Edwin Patchin Memorial Fund, in care of Parker Mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.