JUDGE JOHN CURTIS PATTERSON
John Curtis Patterson, b July 25, 1905 in Limestone County, Texas - was a
son of John Milton and Alice Ophelia (Gaskin) Patterson, who settled in
Limestone County, Texas.
John Curtis Patterson graduated in the Class of 1924 from Marlin High
School, and entered The University of Texas Law School at Austin - receiving his
license to practice law in November 1930. Returning to Marlin, Falls County,
Texas, John became associated for several months with Cecil R. Glass;
subsequently establishing his own law offices in June 1932.
In 1934, John was elected Criminal District Attorney of Falls County -
serving four years in that office; and then he served from 1938 to 1942 as
County Judge of Falls County.
On February 27, 1942 in Rosebud, Falls County, Texas, John Curtis
Patterson was married to Henrietta Robertson, b September 19, 1915 near Rosebud,
Falls County, Texas - a daughter of John Franklin ("Frank") Robertson, b April
11, 1894, d December 19, 1960 and buried in Powers Chapel Cemetery, and his
first wife, Ethel Mae (Miles) Robertson, b December 25, 1893, d May 5, 1919 and
buried in Union Cemetery near Durango. After her mother's death, Henrietta's
father was married second to Sarah Elizabeth Horton, and Henrietta was reared
primarily in the of her father's sister, Mrs. Pearl (Robertson) Chapman, of
Rosebud. Henrietta graduated from Rosebud High School.
In 1943, John C. Patterson entered the U.S. Army Air Corps during World
War II - serving 33 months, and holding the rank of Staff Sergeant. He returned
to Falls County in 1945, and was unopposed for the office of District Judge of
the 82nd Judicial District. Judge Patterson served 28 years (seven consecutive
terms), until his retirement on December 31,1974 - setting a record of tenure in
the office which has never been matched. His years of public service spanned
thirty-six years. Mrs. Patterson worked 27 years as a federal employee, and both
were committed to the spirit of public service.
Judge and Mrs. Patterson were the parents of three children - all born in
Marlin, Falls County, Texas:
John Curtis Patterson, Jr., b March 3,1946- married September 2, 1971 in
Marlin to Pamela Ann Nutt, b August 29,1950 - a daughter of William C. ("Bill")
and Jimmie (Horton) Nutt. John, Jr. is manager of the Loan Division of Republic
Bank of Houston, and they reside in Houston, Texas, where their three children
were born: Julie Christine Patterson, b August 31, 1973; John William Patterson,
b March 29, 1976; and Jeffrey Daniel Patterson, b January 17, 1978.
Donna Sue Patterson, b January 22, 1949 - married April 2, 1971, in
Marlin to Roland Swartz, b August 4, 1942 - a son of Jay Roy and Wesley Swartz.
Roland is a civil engineer, and they live in Houston, Texas, where their two
children were born: Stephanie Lynn Swartz, b July 30, 1976; and Scott Lee
Swartz, b October 30,1977.
Mary Lee Patterson, b January 30,1951- married September 6, 1975 in Long
Beach, California to Richard Seebach, b August 14, 1942. Richard is an engineer.
They have no children.
Judge and Mrs. Patterson continue to reside in Marlin, Texas; and both
are active in church, civic, and community affairs. They are faithful, active
members of the First United Methodist Church of Marlin; and he is a member of
the Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star, and the Odd Fellows. Judge Patterson was a
Charter Member of the Marlin Lions Club, and of the Falls County Coon Hunters
Association; and he has been a member of the Marlin Chamber of Commerce and
Marlin Quarterback Club for many years.
The City of Marlin, and Falls County, have received much through the
efforts and dedication of Judge and Mrs. Patterson.
Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart for printing the biographies of
these Falls County Families to this Web page.
"Families of Falls County", Compiled and Edited by the Falls County Historical
Commission, page 236 column 1 and 2.
Member of Falls County Historical Commission.
