Adelbert "Patt" Fremont Patterson

Adelbert Fremont "Patt" Patterson, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at his home in Layton, Utah.

He was born on March 27, 1930 in Anaconda, Montana to Adelbert Hugh and Frances Leota (Todd) Patterson. As a youth his family moved to Stockton, CA where he was a Yell leader in High School. He lived in Stockton until he joined the United States Navy during the Korean conflict serving on the destroyer escort USS Walton. Upon his discharge from the US Navy, he attended Cal State San Luis Obispo and graduated with a BS in electronics engineering.

During that time he met Noma Jeanette Bright. They were married on Nov. 23, 1957 in Fresno, CA. Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple in Manti, Utah. They were married for over 54 years.

Patt was an electronics engineer who had a career in the both the defense and space program - he was a proud "rocket scientist" and as a recognized expert in ballistic missile guidance systems, he worked programs like Titan, Atlas, Minuteman, Peacekeeper and the Space Shuttle. He lived in many locations during his career including Moab, UT and San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Santa Ynez, Ca, and on Wake Island in the South Pacific. He and Noma moved to Layton in 1978 when he took a position at Hill Air Force Base supporting the USAF Missile Command.

He was nationally renowned as an expert in the arms control field and was one of the original members of the START Inspection Team at Hill AFB. Even after his retirement in 1997, he continued to work part time as a consultant with the Hill Arms Reduction Office until Oct 2012.

Patt joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sep. 8, 1962 and was a faithful member of the Church for the rest of his life. He held various Ward and Stake positions including serving as a Bishop in Solvang, CA and was especially active with the 16-19 year-old-youth in his Layton Ward for many years. His influence has left a positive lasting impression on countless young men.

Patt loved the outdoors and spent many happy hours jeeping and camping. His favorite activity was always fly fishing and Patt often told stories about fishing with his dad and uncles on the Big Hole River during summers spent on the homestead in Montana.

He is survived by his wife, Noma, and three children; Sharon (Tim) Larsen of Bluffdale, UT, Donald (Adrianne) Patterson of Smithfield, UT, David (Charlene) Patterson of Beaverton, OR; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one brother Allen Hugh Patterson of San Diego, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barbara Smith of Muskogee OK and Emily Patterson. Funeral services will be held at the LDS Heather Glen Chapel at 2025 E 2000 N (Antelope Drive) Layton, UT on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 2 p.m. Friends may visit with family on Sunday, January 6, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Road.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to either the LDS Humanitarian Aid or LDS Perpetual Education funds.