Obituary of Dennis Dale Patterson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Patterson, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and civil rights leader, on January 25th, 2024. He was 68 years old.

Dennis Patterson was born in Idaho Falls on April 14, 1955. He attended Idaho State University, where he graduated with a degree in Business Management in 1977. Dennis began his storied thirty-two-year career at Idaho National Laboratory as a teenager in the early seventies. One of the professional highlights of his career was being the Ethics Officer and Employee Concerns Manager. He was an active member of the Ethics and Compliance Officer Association and the Employee Concerns Professionals.

Dennis was a generous and compassionate human being and an active member of his community. He was a mentor and a role model for many young people in his family and beyond, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world. He led a life full of many exciting experiences, and two that held great meaning to him were meeting and shaking hands with President Obama and Congressman John Lewis, who were both influential in his life. He was invited to share his insights at the National Association of Employee Concerns Professionals Winter Conference in San Francisco in 2014. He retired that year but remained active. Dennis was the proud author of two books, Whistleblower and Black Pearl.

Dennis was a devoted family man, who loved his children and grandchildren more than anything. He was a proud father of 2 sons and 3 daughters, who inherited his intelligence, kindness, and humor. He was a fun-loving and playful grandfather of 5 grandchildren, who brought him joy and laughter. He was a loyal and supportive brother, uncle, and friend, who always had a smile and a joke for everyone. He was a loving and faithful husband of 20 years, who cherished his wife and soulmate, LaVonna.

Dennis was preceded in death by both parents, Donald Dolphus and Caroline Pearl Kitto (Runs Close to the Village) Patterson, and his brother, Donald Duwayne (Euranius).

Dennis is survived by his wife LaVonna, his 5 children Darius Patterson, Jasmine Gilbert (Chance), Valderia Brunson (Emanuel), James Williams Jr., and Patricia Williams, five grandchildren Isaiah, Gavin, Janessa, Azlynn and Jayden. He has three sisters Judy Patterson, Lou Swift (William) and Norma Patterson, four nephews, 3 nieces, and countless cousins. Dennis truly loved his family.

Dennis will be deeply missed. He was a remarkable man, who touched many lives and left the world a better place.

A memorial service and celebration of Dennis’ life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 2pm in Idaho Falls at Crosspoint Community Church, 1900 Grandview Dr., followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Viewing will be Monday January 29 - Monday February 5 from 6pm - 8pm each night at Summers Funeral Home, 3629 East Ustick Rd. Meridian, Idaho.

Condolences to www.coltrinmotuary.com or www.summersfuneral.com.