September 28, 1942–December 21, 2024
Frederick Lawrence Patrick, a devoted father, Eagle Scout, educator, and global citizen, passed away on December 21, 2024. He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on September 28, 1942, to Virginia and Clyde Truman Patrick. Fred was the eldest of three sons, all of whom graduated from Sapulpa High School: Fred in 1960, Tom in 1964, and Pat in 1968. Clyde and Virginia, too, were proud graduates of SHS in the 1930s.
Fred’s life was marked by a deep love of learning and adventure. As a young boy, he formed a lifelong bond with his close childhood friend, Dennis Whittlesey, and the two enjoyed countless outdoor adventures, often hiking and camping. Fred earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Sapulpa and spent summers on the farm of Bill and Helen Steele, between Drumright and Sapulpa, where he fostered his love for nature. Later, Fred introduced these joys to his own sons, Scott and Todd, with whom he traveled the world. Both Scott and Todd graduated from the American Community School in the United Arab Emirates, Scott in 2001 and Todd in 2003.
After graduating from Sapulpa High School, Fred attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. In the early 1990s, he returned to OU for a Master’s degree and was elected chair of the OU Student Senate. During this time, Fred also served as Beta District Chief, overseeing chapters at both the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Fred’s academic journey continued as he earned a Master’s degree at the University of Kansas from 1968 to 1969, followed by a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Vanderbilt University in 1996. His dissertation, The Harris-Hillman Story, was published by the University of Michigan Press.
A pivotal chapter in Fred’s life came when a fellow Beta Theta Pi recommended him to the U.S. Peace Corps, where he served as Audit Director in Washington, D.C., from 1973 to 1976. Fred and his team were responsible for auditing over 100 Peace Corps programs worldwide every two years. He personally conducted audits in Central America and Asia.
In addition to his Peace Corps service, Fred worked in municipal government, starting as Budget Director for the City of Fort Worth, Texas. He went on to serve as municipal finance director for Lompoc and Ventura in California, all while teaching finance and accounting in the evenings at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Community College.
Fred married Maggie Wright in 1980, and together they raised two sons, Scott and Todd. The family spent the last two decades of Fred’s life in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where Fred retired. Even in retirement, Fred remained active, working part-time for several years (2012-2022) with school districts in Benton County, Arkansas, where he used his expertise to help shape local education.
Fred’s legacy of service, education, and adventure lives on through his sons, family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. He will be remembered for his boundless curiosity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to those he loved.
There are no services planned at this time. To sign the online guestbook, please visit: www.wassonfuneralhome.com
