At 6:45 a.m. on September 19, 2019, Alvin Hendrix Grant Patterson received an offer for an appointment he couldn't refuse. His new assignment takes him to a place where he'll be "kicking up gold dust", fishing in a crystal stream, and painting his mansion door red whenever he chooses. It comes with the bonus of face-to-face conversations with God, unspeakable joy, a reunion with family and friends, and an endless buffet of delicious food.

Alvin was born in Neosho, MO, on August 13, 1938. to Stonie Alvin Patterson and Mary Kathrine Parker Patterson. He is the eldest of nine children.

He was called into the ministry at the age of 16, and began preaching on KBTN radio station, in Neosho, at 17.

He served in the army from 1956-62. His last station was in Fort Sill, OK with the 2nd Missile Battalion, 80th Field Artillery Regiment. He received an Expert Marksmanship Badge and a Good Conduct Metal for his service. He was a member of the American Legion Post 3, in Columbus, KS, for several years.

Alvin married Karen Kellogg on July 18, 1980, and made his home in Columbus.

In 1981 he established The Full Gospel Lighthouse, in Columbus. In 2000 he created AHGP Ministries, later renamed Full Gospel Ministers Association, of which he was still a member. He received many certificates of ministerial studies and held many pastoral positions throughout his 65 years of ministry.

Alvin was a man of many talents. He worked as a custodian at West Central School, Joplin, MO, and South East High School, Cherokee, KS; was a printer for Messenger Publishing Company, Joplin, owned and operated his own construction company, lawn care service, and printing service, worked as a maintenance technician for National Mills in Missouri and Kansas, and most recently operated Alvin's Lock & Key and Alvin's Sewing Machine Repair. He also held a city council position, in Columbus, for the last five years.

On his arrival in heaven he was reunited with his parents; his daughter, Shirley Lynn; his sisters, Kathrine and Laura; his daughter-in-law, Tammie Patterson; and met his wife's mother, Ada Craig.

Alvin has received his eternal reward, and we honor his memory by striving to be worthy of the same through following his example. We will forever be grateful for his presence in our lives and his spirit will live on in those he cherished on earth, his wife, Karen; sons, Alvin Patterson, Joe Kellogg and Tim Kellogg; daughters, Julie Kellogg, Vivian Kelley and Kathy Dukes; 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jerry, Eddie and George Patterson, Argie Mathes, Linda Vanderhoofven and June Woodcock; and nieces, nephews, family and friends too numerous to list, but not forgotten.

Visitation is September 26, 6 - 8 p.m.; services are September 27, at 2 p.m. at Derfelt, in Columbus. Graveside services will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery, in Galena, KS, immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Alvin H. G. Patterson Memorial Scholarship fund through Derfelt Funeral Home, or mail in care of American Bank, 810 East Maple Street, Columbus, KS 66725.

Online condolences may be made at

www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.