Marvin Walter Patten Sr., 71

SEAFORD - Marvin Walter Patten Sr. of Seaford died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, in Nanticoke Memorial Hospital. He was 71.

Mr. Patten was born Nov. 7, 1935, in Denton, Md., son of the late Ruth Willis and Walter Arlington Patten.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He was a welder and pipe fitter with Walkers Marina and then Local Union 782, Fluor Daniels, Potts Welding and Boilermakers, before retiring. He was also a small business owner of Marvin"s Welding and Small Engine Repair.

Mr. Patten was an avid hunter and fisherman and had a great love for designing and bringing his creations to life.

He was loved by all who knew him, and inspired the lives of many people.

Mr. Patten was a member of Nanticoke Post 6, American Legion.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife and friend of 40 years, Mary Gardner Patten; five children and their spouses, Debra (Patten) and Robert Marvel of Greenwood, Wayne and Linda Patten of Rhodesdale, Md., Michelle (Patten) and Donald Starkey of Bridgeville, Susan (Patten) and Joe Lorenzo of Seaford, and Marvin "Buddy" Patten Jr. of Seaford; four grandchildren, Casey Foskey, Joey Spicer, Cody Lorenzo and Matthew Lorenzo; a sister and a brother-in-law, Betty and Dugald MacDonald of Greenwood; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Friday in Holy Cross Cemetery, Route 313, Greensboro, Md.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 87, Seaford, DE 19973.

Arrangements by Watson-Yates Funeral Home, Seaford.