John Evans Patten

John Evans Patten, 94, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
Born in Lakeland, Lanier County, Georgia, on June 11, 1931, John was the son of John Drawdy “JD” and Alene Mae O’Quinn Patten. His childhood was deeply shaped by the influence of his family, who instilled in him lifelong values of faith, family, and hard work.
After graduating high school, John attended Georgia Military College and later earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech University. He and his beloved wife, Nanette, then moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where they attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. With a deep and abiding heart for missions, John and Nanette were appointed as missionaries to Thailand by the Southern Baptist International Mission Board in 1960.
While serving on the mission field, John’s ministry extended beyond evangelism. He used his engineering education to design and build numerous facilities across Thailand, including churches, missionary residences, a multi-story seminary, and an entire Christian beachside retreat complex, and even a hospital. His service left a legacy of faith and practical support for countless communities.
In 1974, John and his family returned to the United States, where he continued his ministry as pastor of several Southern Baptist churches. Always eager to serve in new ways, John later earned a Master’s degree in Counseling, further extending his ability to care for others with wisdom and compassion.
John married Nanette Lee Davis on December 16, 1950, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2015. Their love and devotion to each other became the foundation for a large and loving family. John was a proud father to one son and three daughters, and his family grew to include twenty grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his children: daughter Terry (Rocky) Moore, their child Tiffany (Ryan) Gowens and their children Quinn and Brendan. Son Pat (Kay) Patten, their son Ken (Staci) Register and their children Kaid (Lyndsey, their daughters Kadence and Kollins) and Kennadi, Kamden, and Karis. Daughter Donna (Rick) Fenchel, their children Alex Johnson, Sara (Ned) Price (and their children Calvin and Finnegan), Melanie Johnson, Sam Johnson, Tressa (Brett) Patchell and daughters Azura and Sidra, and Kaidra Fenchel. Daughter Laurie (Rick) Sheehan with children Ashley (Daniel) McAlpine (and their son Mason), Tessa (Joe) French (and daughter Remi), Evan (Tyler) Sheehan (and children Harper and Otto), and Kendall (Cameron Massoud).
John was preceded in death by his wife, Nanette; his parents, JD and Alene Patten; and his siblings, Donald Patten and Hilda Patten.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at TruthPoint in Lakeland, Georgia, with burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Villages of Hope ( www.villagesofhope.org ), a ministry established by his daughter, Donna and dear to John and his family, or to the Lottie Moon Offering of the International Mission Board, through TruthPoint, 326 South Hwy 221, Lakeland, GA 31635.
Sympathy may be expressed online at www.musicfuneralservices.com . Music Funeral Services of Lakeland, GA, is serving the Patten family.
Services may be viewed live online at https://youtube.com/@thetruthofthematterwithaustin?si=E1CCCNuE-Eexfy7E