Leslie Lee Patin

Leslie Lee Patin

Leslie Lee Patin, age 91, passed away on January 13, 2025, at Sabine Place Assisted Living in Orange from complications of a stroke in 2023. Les was born in Nederland, Texas, on January 19, 1933, to Emory Joseph Patin and Eva Dronet Patin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 18, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Woodville, Texas. The family will share a self-pay meal following the burial at the Pickett House restaurant in Woodville for anyone who would like to join.

Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas.

He is survived by children Sherry Mallory and husband Johnny of Orange, Texas, Eva Sealey of Tyler, Texas, Gregg Patin and wife Karen Welch of Mauriceville, Texas, and Gina Henry Knight and husband James of Sugarland, Texas; one brother, Darrell Patin of Tiki Island, Texas; 11 grandchildren,13 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 65 years, Maxine Allgood Patin; and sons-in-law, William Sealey and James Henry. 

A proud Cajun man, he passed along his heritage to his family through phrases, jokes, and his love of good food and music.

Les had his first full-time job at the age of 9, setting bowling pins at a local bowling alley. He fell in love with the game and, as an adult, had a professional bowler’s reputation and skill. He scored “300 games” and was at the top of the Golden Triangle leagues, earning several rings, one “800” patch, and multiple “300” patches. Just in case he found a game or league somewhere, he always carried his bowling ball and shoes in the trunk of his car or on the plane when traveling for DuPont. Despite excelling in both golf and bowling, when he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at age 50, he set them aside because he believed that they were a distraction to his full walk with Christ.

He dropped out of high school at 17 to join the Navy and was a proud Korean War Veteran. He served as a radarman aboard two ships. While in basic training in San Diego, he was part of a parade drill group that marched with precision rifle maneuvers. Early in the Korean War his swimming skills qualified him as a Frogmen, the forerunners of the Navy Seals, who would handle underwater demolitions. Because Maxine would not agree with him doing explosives, he proudly served as a Radarman. His Naval service included a Korean combat zone, being part of the Hungnam Evacuation, and the Naval Reserves for eight years, reaching the rank of Petty Officer.

For the last few years, he proudly wore his Korean War Veteran’s hat everywhere and was proud of the medals he received. He often said if it were possible, he would still be in the Navy because he loved that time so much.

After the Korean War, and despite not having a high school diploma, he graduated at the top of his class with an Engineering degree in 3 ½ years from Lamar State College of Technology and began working for Dupont Sabine River Works in Orange. While working for Dupont, he helped design the DERA golf course, hacking out the design with a machete. He helped design the ethylene unit and taught leadership workshops all over the country.

Les loved camping, traveling, bowling, golf, and popcorn. He was an extremely competitive player and loved any family time spent with dominoes, cards, horseshoes, games, and food. The largest tub of movie popcorn was never enough. His wonderful hugs and loud sneezes were legendary.

He loved dancing and music – especially praise and worship, country Gospel, and romantic ballads. He was the resident DJ. Sharing his faith openly with others, he taught Bible classes at Sabine Place, he was an ambassador, welcoming new residents, getting them acquainted with people and life there, saying grace over meals and praying with anyone who asked for or needed it.

Les was most proud of accepting Jesus Christ as his Savior at age 50. He walked out his faith and encouraged others to do the same. Les was active in the Emmaus Community, serving and sponsoring people for that life-changing experience. He was a teacher and pastor for men at the Stiles Prison Unit. He never wanted to be in the spotlight; he wanted people to see Jesus and not him.

His counseling abilities, listening ear, and compassionate heart endeared him to everyone he met. He mentored many while working at Dupont, leading groups at church and while living at Sabine Place. For several years, he was part of a weekly men’s prayer breakfast. Les served as the secretary on the Community Church board, helped in the design of the church, and the setup and maintenance of the Care Groups. He and his wife were greeters, teachers, counselors, mentors, and lay pastors.

As a family, Daddy always prayed a blessing over us. The blessings were both Old and New Testament versions, and we will miss them so much. His prayers and loving affectionate support will be greatly missed. A Cajun Toast (blessing) was always displayed somewhere in his home.

He lived by his motto, “Flower people while they are alive because when they are gone, they won’t need it.”

His family gratefully thanks the Heart-to-Heart Hospice staff, especially Nurse Tasha Broom, and the dedicated nurses and aides of Sabine Place for their loving care.