CONNOR WRIGHT PATMAN

Connor Wright Patman, a favorite son of Texarkana, was an amazing visionary who brought to reality his dreams and hopes for his life-long hometown. Known as a friend to everyone, he was beloved by all that knew him. Having chosen to live out a good name, no one can recall ever hearing a negative word spoken about him. Rather he was often described as a "prince of a fellow." Born in Linden, Texas on March 24, 1920, Connor moved to Texarkana at the age of five and Texarkana was his home until he passed away on Monday, December 10th, at the Hospice of Texarkana Inpatient Care Center. His father was noted Congressman Wright Patman and his mother was Merle Connor Patman. Mr. Patman was a graduate of Texas High School and continued his education at Texas A & M and George Washington University in Washington D.C. until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1941. Initially stationed in El Paso, he was deployed overseas where he participated in the Normandy Invasion as a Reconnaissance Officer and an anti-aircraft gunner. He was honorably discharged in 1945 after achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After completion of his military service, Mr. Patman returned to school and graduated from the University of Texas Law School. Though he graduated from UT Law School in 1947, he actually passed the Bar in 1946 before he even completed law school! Upon graduation, he returned to Texarkana where he established his law practice which became a great success. This gave him opportunity to pursue his dream of being a land and real estate developer, the first in Texarkana. In later years, he became a mentor and friend to other developers such as Aven Williamson who credits Mr. Patman with giving him his vision and success. Mr. Patman's initial development was the Glenwood addition followed by Richmond Hills, Park Terrace, Pleasant Hill, Lazy Acres, West Terrace and Hillside. These and others were followed by many commercial developments including Summerhill Square as well as numerous other office and retail complexes around the city, particularly along Summerhill and Richmond Roads. For many years he was the owner of Supreme Realty. It has been said that Mr. Patman and his attorney, Kirk Patton, made more appearances before the city council than anyone in history. Based on his good name and desire to see the city progress, zoning and other permits requested by Mr. Patman were almost a monthly item on the council agenda and were always approved. Mr. Patman's success in his law career and in land development allowed him to become one of Texarkana's greatest civic leaders. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers Association and the Judicature Society. He served as a member and past president of the Northeast Texas Bar Association as well as the Bowie County Bar Association and the Texarkana Bar Association. He served as a member and president of the Texarkana Home Builder's Association and the Texarkana Board of Realtors. He served on the city of Texarkana Industrial Development Corporation and on the Perot Theater Committee. He was a member of the board of the Texarkana Country Club and was a member of the Board of Directors of Texarkana National Bank and of Texarkana National Bancshares. Mr. Patman was a devoted and proud member of the Salvation Army Board of Directors and made significant contributions and worked diligently (with no doubt some pressure!) to get his close friends and acquaintances to contribute. He even supported the Salvation Army by being a bell ringer during the Christmas season. He volunteered as a food server at the Randy Sams Shelter and was a contributor of materials to Habitat for Humanity. He was also a board member of Harvest Texarkana. He served his community in so many ways including having served on the board of Wadley Hospital where he served as chairman. He was also a member of the Wadley Hospital Foundation Board and was a member of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce Committee of 15, Committee of 100, and the Military Affairs Committee. Mr. Patman had a great love for Texarkana College and had served on their Board of Trustees as well as serving as a member of the Texarkana College Foundation Board of Directors and the Texarkana College Advisory Committee. He was a generous supporter of the college and in 1996 established the Jan and Connor Patman Endowment Scholarship Fund. He was greatly loved at the college and was honored by the naming and dedication of the Patman Room in the Truman Arnold Center. Mr. Patman served as the past president and Fund Chairman for the United Way of Texarkana and was presented the Gold Award for his years of contribution and leadership. He was influential in the cultural and arts scene in Texarkana and was a generous and supportive partner with Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council. He sponsored many musical and theater performances brought to our city over the years. In 1999 he was honored with the prestigious C.E. Palmer Award presented by the Chamber of Commerce. He was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Texarkana, Arkansas and served on the Finance Committee there. Always humble and behind the scenes, Mr. Patman was a generous philanthropist who made such a difference in the quality of life in Texarkana and was a great supporter of nearly every charitable organization in the Four States area. The list of those benefitting from his generosity is lengthy, and he was always sensitive to the needs of worthy organizations and programs in our community. Mr. Patman's beloved wife, Jan, preceded him in death in 2005. They were not only husband and wife for 63 years, but also best friends. They loved to golf together and travel together and combined the two in all fifty states and many foreign countries. Their friendships with other couples of their circle were dear and highly treasured. Mr. Patman was also preceded in death by a grandson, Connor Wright Patman III. Mr. Patman was a wonderful father to his two children whose lives are filled with memories of his interest in them and quality time spent creating memories that still impact them today. Left to treasure the patriarch of their family are Mr. Patman's daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Alan Schimming as his son and daughter-in-law. Connor Wright Patman, Jr. and Mary Beth. He leaves behind three grandchildren, Jeff Patman and his wife, Shelly; Meredith Ledwell; and Sarah York and her husband, Tom. He also treasured five great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives. A memorial service for Mr. Patman will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Arkansas at 11 a.m. Saturday, with Rev. Jamie Alexander officiating. Memorials may be made to the Texarkana College Foundation, 2500 North Robison Road, Texarkana, TX 75503 or First United Methodist Church, 400 East 6th Street, Texarkana, AR 71854.