Donald Leon Patrick, age 88 of Mt. Sterling, entered the gates of heaven on the twenty second day of November, 2020.    Born November 12, 1932, he was the son of the late Malcom and Myrtle (Reed) Patrick.  Don is a retired teacher and school administrator in the Montgomery County school system and an Air Force Veteran of the Korean War era.   Don lived a servant life driven by his strong Christian faith, love of family and friends and desire to give back to his community.

He grew up with nine siblings in Jeffersonville (Montgomery County) where he graduated from Camargo High School.  Following high school, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force where he received an honorable discharge as staff sergeant.  During his time of service he married his high school sweet heart, Chalma Newkirk whom he has shared a wonderful life with for 66 years.   The union was blessed with two children: Mark (Rose), Ben (Kristen), 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.  He was the last surviving child of his wonderful family.

He received his Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education from Morehead State University and completed additional post graduate work at the University of Kentucky.  He began his teaching career as a high school business teacher and later served the school system as counselor and federal grants director.   He established the first community education program in Kentucky in 1972 and served as president of the Kentucky Community Education Association.  He was selected to serve as one of two representatives by the Partners of America Organization to help establish community education in Bolivia.  He was also the first executive director of the Mt. Sterling/Montgomery County Recreation Commission spearheading the development of multiple community parks and recreation programs.

After retiring from the school system in 1985, he served as regional special education consultant for Kentucky Department of Education, IBM educational consultant and Gateway Add district representative.  He was a charter board member for Licking Valley Community Action, Gateway Mental Health Association and the Montgomery County Handicapped Children Board.   He directed Operation Happiness in Montgomery County for several years and served one year as local coordinator for United Way of the Bluegrass.  He was co-owner of Pasquale's Pizza in the 1970's and later became co-owner of the local Shelter Insurance Agency for several years with his son Ben.

As a young teacher, Don founded a local business school and tax business in the 1960's to supplement his teaching income.  He continued to serve his tax clients for over 50 years, completing his last client tax return in 2020.

He is a former member of the Mt. Sterling Kiwanis Club, the Mt. Sterling Country Club, American Legion, Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association, Kentucky Association of School Administrators and the Kentucky School Counselor Association.  He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Sterling where he served on the Finance Committee.

Honors and awards included Outstanding Kentucky Community Educator, Distinguished Educator-KY Department of Education, Jaycees Distinguished Service Award and Future Farmers of America Outstanding Citizen award.

A private family funeral service will be held at Taul Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Pastor Eric Patterson officiating, burial ceremony will follow at Machpelah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 846 Grassy Lick Road, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.  Condolences may be sent to Chalma Patrick, 117 Ronameki Drive, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.