[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 101 (Wednesday, July 16, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7615-S7616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                  TRIBUTE TO JUDGE DONALD H. PATTERSON

 Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today in honor of Judge 
Donald H. Patterson who died at age 61 on May 28, 1997 after his 
courageous 7-month battle with lung disease. Donald Patterson was a 
friend, dedicated father and community leader who was respected by all 
who knew him. Judge Patterson honorably served the people of Lauderdale 
County, AL, as an elected judge in the 11th Judicial District of 
Alabama.
  Don grew up in Florence, AL and then received both his bachelor's and 
law degrees from the University of Alabama. Always a leader, Don was 
president of the student government association while at the 
university. Following his graduation from law school, Don served active 
duty in the U.S. Army, and later, 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserve.
  In 1959, Don began his law practice with Bert Haltrom. The two 
continued to practice until Bert Haltrom was appointed U.S. district 
court judge. Until Don's election to the circuit court in 1989, he 
practiced law with Florence attorney Gary Jester.
  Judge Patterson was a true gentleman and leader. His Christian values

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are reflected not only in the way he lived his life, but in the many 
organizations he led, belonged to and served. Until his passing, Judge 
Patterson was a member of the Alabama Judicial Study Commission and a 
director of the Alabama Circuit Court Judges Association.
  Additionally, Judge Patterson served as chairman of the Florence-
Lauderdale Industrial Expansion Committee; director of the chamber of 
commerce; past president of the Florence Rotary Club, and a recipient 
of the Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International Award. Furthermore, 
he served numerous other legal, civic, and Christian groups.
  Judge Patterson was a first-rate judge and lawyer--always very 
professional and knowledgeable. As a Sunday school teacher and past 
chairman of the board of the First Methodist Church of Florence, he was 
an exemplary citizen, leader, and role model. And as a husband, father, 
grandfather, and friend, Don was a compassionate and wonderful human 
being.
  My prayers go out to Don's family and friends. Don Patterson's 
lifelong dedication to community and country made our world a better 
place--he will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________