Curtis Leon Patterson, 75, of Lovington, NM, Navy Veteran

Let it be known that Curtis Patterson, age 75, of Lovington, NM, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, surrounded by family after a brief illness.

Born on August 20, 1950, in Benton, Arkansas. He enlisted in the United State Navy in 1970 and proudly served twenty years, including a tour in Vietnam. As a First-Class Petty Officer, he was awarded many meritorious service awards. Following his military service, Curtis returned home and established another career with Lockheed Martin (NASA), White Sands Missel Range. He was a dedicated employee and was awarded the Silver Snoopy Award, a rare prestigious award at retirement.

Curtis was known for his love of fishing, camping and raising cattle and chickens and of course his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Marilyn Jean Patterson; his children: Randy Patterson and Tanya Palmer; and his grandchildren: Randi, Ocea, Tye, Rhylee and Alannah; two brothers: Cecil Wilburn Patterson and Donald Wayne Patterson; and one sister: Patricia May Elgin.

He was preceded in death by his mom: Rosie Cleo Pritchard his dad George Washington "Doc" Patterson; one brother: George Edgar Patterson; and two sisters: Carol Cleo Wegner and Phyllis Levorn Revland.

A celebration of life will be held at Kirby - Ratliff Funeral Home, Lovington NM, on Sunday February 15, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm and funeral services on Monday February 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, Lovington NM. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.