Jon "Poochie" Patterson

Celebrating the Life of Jon “Poochie” Patterson May 3, 1954 – September 21, 2025 Jon “Poochie” Patterson was born on May 3, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee, the eldest child of the late Jon and Rosa Lee Adams Patterson. He transitioned on Sunday September 21, 2025 at the age of 71 years. Just three days after his birth, he was lovingly embraced and raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Georgia “GG” Brown, who brought him home to Owensboro, Kentucky. Under her nurturing care, Jon flourished, attending Goodloe Foust Junior High and graduating from Owensboro High School in 1972. From an early age, Jon dreamed big—his aspirations often reaching for what seemed impossible. But “GG” instilled in him a deep faith, reminding him that all things were possible through God. At age eleven, Jon experienced a life-changing spiritual awakening during a revival at Fourth Street Baptist Church, where Reverend H.R. Bell of Hopkinsville led the service and Reverend W.R. Brown served as host pastor. Music was woven into Jon’s soul. Inspired by the gospel sounds of his grandmother, mother Rosa Lee, and great-grandmother Rena Emmick, Jon pursued piano lessons with Mr. Fred Jackson. Though he initially set music aside after graduation, the Lord rekindled his passion, leading him to serve as pianist for Saint Paul AME Church and its youth ensemble, The Gospel T’s. In 1979, Jon left Owensboro to pursue the career God had placed on his heart. By 1988, he was reaching audiences nationwide through radio and television, sharing stages with renowned recording artists and performing with some of the best in the industry. At age 49, Jon returned to Owensboro, seeking rest and reconnection—unaware that illness was quietly taking hold. He reunited with Cedar Street Baptist Church under Reverend Larry Boards, serving faithfully as church pianist. He also hosted the Owensboro Midwest Entertainment television program and briefly directed the Owensboro Men’s Mass Community Choir. As his strength returned, Jon continued his musical ministry at Greater First Timothy Missionary Baptist Church in Louisville and Bethel Baptist Church in Anchorage, Kentucky. His journey was marked by resilience, faith, and a profound love for gospel music. Jon’s life was enriched by countless relationships. He was preceded in death by dear friend David Cotton (1986–2020) and sister Cynthia Denise Johnson (Bobby). He is survived by six sisters: Debra Louise Patterson (Nashville), Rena Lee Patterson, Georgia Lenora Raimey (Robert), Donna Elaine Patterson, Sherry Janelle Patterson (all of Louisville), and Wilena Gazaway (Damon) of Houston; one uncle, Leslie Patterson (Jacqueline) of Nashville; devoted nieces Shelia, LaTosha, and Cassandra; nephews Lamont, Everett, Sherman, Michael, Melvin, and Demarco Patterson; great-niece Aaliyah “Lee Lee”; and many great-nephews. Jon cherished his cousin Mrs. Laura “Maxi” Barnes of Owensboro and first-generation cousins Mrs. Gertrude James, Leslie Patterson Jr., Sylvia Patterson, and Jonathan Patterson of Nashville. He shared lasting bonds with Christine “Meatloaf” Lindsey, Barbara Webb, Shirlene Pope, Patty James, Sally Sanders, Nancy Green Frazier, Minnie Willingham, Mary Jo Davis, Tee and Joe Green, Thessalonia Munday, Gloria Jean, Ruby Taylor McFarland (deceased), Vickie Epson, Melvin and Doris Smith Sr. (deceased), Robert Douglas Jr., Harold, Carl, and David Douglas (all deceased), the Harris Family, Larry Coleman Sr., James Robert “Horsie” Smith, and a host of second and third-generation cousins. Jon’s closest companions included Robbie Stone of Owensboro, Danice Edmondson of Louisville, and his beloved partner of many years, Simon Smith, who stood by his side during his final moments. A transitional service honoring Jon “Poochie” Patterson will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Fourth Street Baptist Church, 821 West 4th Street, Owensboro. Rev. Adrian Durham will serve as Eulogist, with Rev. Jasper Jackson, III officiating. Visitation will take place on Friday, September 26, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 West 5th Street, Owensboro. Committal and burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 29, at Elmwood Cemetery, with Rev. Rhondalyn Randolph presiding. Jon’s legacy lives on through the music he played, the lives he touched, and the faith he carried. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Final arrangements entrusted to McFarland Funeral Home, Inc. of Owensboro, KY 42301. Please share memories and messages of condolence for the family at www.mcfarlandfh.com.

Jon "Poochie" Patterson

May 3, 1954 - September 21, 2025

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