Gerald Patterson, 46, of 201 Maple Ave. died Wednesday at his home.

Born in Gary, Ind., July 19, 1958, he was the son of the late Lowree Patterson and the late Johnie Mae Patterson.

He was a member of St. John's Missionary Baptist Church of Meadville. He also belonged to the Masonic Lodge, King Solomon Division, Mannheim Federal Republic of Germany, Jurisdiction of Oklahoma.

Mr. Patterson served in the Army from 1976 to 1991, obtained the rank of sergeant and was a veteran of the Gulf War. He was awarded several medals including the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, Bronze Star and the National Defense Service Medal.

He had worked at AK Steel.

Surviving are his wife, Vickie Riggs Patterson, whom he married in 1984; four children, Tiffany Marie Burnett of Hamilton, N.J., Tiana Sheree of Maryland, and Melondy Riggs and Gerald Patterson Jr., both of Gary; and a grandson, Joshua Riggs of Gary. He also is survived by a sister, Geneva Sneed and her husband, Bill, of Denver, Colo.; and a niece, Danielle Fuller and her family.

PATTERSON - Friends of Gerald Patterson, who died Wednesday, March 9, 2005, will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church, 792 N. Main St., Meadville. Services will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. Stanley Smith officiating. Burial will be at Greendale Cemetery, West Mead Township, Crawford County. Arrangements are being handled by BYHAM-MILLER-MIZNER FUNERAL HOME, Meadville.