Robert C. Patten, Sr. ’50

Dr. Robert C. Patten, Sr. ’50 of Daleville, Va., died March 11, 2006. He graduated from Cornell University Medical College in 1954, and did an internship at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville, Fla. He served two years as a captain in the U.S. Air Force before moving to Virginia. He practiced family medicine in Floyd, and moved to Roanoke in 1963 to join the practice of Boxley Hill Clinic. In 1974 he moved his family to South Korea, where he served as a medical missionary for four years with the Presbyterian Church, U.S. He then attended the University of Iowa where he earned a master of science degree in public health and completed a teaching fellowship in family practice education. Upon returning to Roanoke in 1980, he taught in the Family Practice Residency at Roanoke Memorial Hospital serving as associate director of the Family Practice Residency Program and full professor at the University of Virginia. He retired in 1995. He was a member and elder of New Hope Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife of fifty-two years, Joy Blaney Patten, 4214 Roanoke Rd., Daleville, Va. 24083; children, Susan P. Woodie, Kathryn P. Muether, Rebecca P. Dagley, Robert C. Patten, Jr. ’82, of Botetourt County, Va., Elizabeth P. Merian; and twelve grandchildren; and a brother, Arthur H. Patten, Jr.