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January 9, 2013

John R. “Jack” Patten

John R. “Jack” Patten, 91, of Carmel, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.

His beloved parents were the late Morgan H. and Elizabeth R. Patten. He was born May 20, 1921, and was raised in Carbondale, Pa. The family spent summers at their cottage at the nearby Newton Lake.

Jack finished his high schooling with a year at Wyoming Seminary, Kingston, Pa. He graduated in 1939. At seminary, he won the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal for excellence in science and mathematics. He also was a valued member of the seminary swim team.

He received his college education at the University of Michigan and graduated with a BSE in Aeronautical Engineering. Jack was also a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and was elected to the following U of M societies: Phi Eta Sigma; Triangles; Vulcans, Scabbard & Blade; and Michiguama.

At Michigan, he became deeply interested in competitive swimming. He became a star member and captain of the U of M team. He was very successful in intercollegiate competition including winning five NCAA national championship gold medals. In his senior year, he was voted NCAA Swimmer of the Year.

After college he served as an engineering officer in the Army Air Corps.

On Jan. 12, 1945, he married the love of his life, Ann Marie Snyder. They had two children, Sharon Patten Von Der Ahe and John M. Patten.

Jack, a licensed professional engineer, worked for Allison’s Division of GMC for over 34 years. He served in a variety of design and project management assignments. Products included: J33, J35, J71, Models 250 501K gas turbine engines, as well as, Minute Men rocket motor cases, Apollo LEFM and service modules, propellant tanks and automatic loader for the MBT 70 tank.

He was a member of St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Elks Lodge 13, Twin Lakes Golf Club, and a 55-year member of the Indianapolis Athletic Club.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ann; their children, Sharon Von Der Ahe and John M. Patten; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, at the Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary, 11411 N. Michigan Road, Zionsville. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at the mortuary.

Online condolences may be made at www.arnmortuary.com.

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