Dates

• Existence: 1935 June 15 - 1982 September 26

Biographical Note

Robert Francis Patterson (1935-1982) was a pilot for Delta Air Lines and Trans World Airlines (TWA).

Robert F. Patterson was born on June 15, 1935 in Sarasota, Florida to Stanley Alan and Lucy Verginia (Merry) Patterson. He attended Mainland High School, but did not complete his education until 1957 when he earned his GED. From 1950-1952, Patterson worked for Bud Oliver Aviation as an airplane fueler. At some point, likely in the early 1950s, Patterson joined the Royal Air Force, likely stationed near Ramsgate. He served as an air traffic controller and also earned his UK private pilots license in 1953. His highest known rank while in the RAF was Airman 2nd Class and his discharge date is unknown.

Other jobs he held during the 1950s-1960s include a charter pilot at Browns Airport in South Florida, a lifeguard in Daytona Beach, and a law enforcement officer in Daytona Beach Shores. He learned to fly at the Daytona Beach Airport. Although his start date is unknown, Patterson served in the United States Air Force Reserves until 1960 and exited as an Airman 1st Class. In 1962, Patterson joined Delta Air Lines as a 1st Officer. He remained there until 1965 when he moved to Trans World Airlines (TWA). He remained with TWA until his death in 1982. Patterson was selected to fly on Air Force One during a visit to Jordan by Henry Kissinger, circa 1973-1974. During his commercial airline pilot career, Patterson primarily flew Boeing Model 747s. While a pilot for Delta and TWA, Patterson lived in Miami, Florida but was based out of John K. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Other activities of Patterson's included crop-dusting fields in South Florida, offshore power boat drag racing, and fishing. Patterson married Judy Hendrickson in 1958. The couple had one daughter, Carol. They divorced in 1968. That same year he married Veronica Sprague. The couple had one daughter, Heather. On September 26, 1982 Robert F. Patterson died of a heart attack in Ormond Beach, Florida.

Biography derived from donor information, collection materials, and records on Ancestry.com.

Occupations

• Air pilots

Places

• Florida (Residence)

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