Robert "Pat" Patty Harrelson

Robert "Pat" Patty Harrelson, Jr., age 92, was born in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, on April 8, 1927. Pat moved to Dona Ana County, NM, with his family in 1931. Educated at Berino, Mesilla Park, and Las Cruces through high school, and attended New Mexico College of Agricultural and Mechanical Arts (now known as New Mexico State University) from 1945-49.
Pat had the heart of a protector.  He served in the USAF, flying combat tours in both Korea and Vietnam. After 22 years, he retired from the Air Force as Lt. Colonel with the rating of Master Navigator and Radar Bombardier. He earned 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 13 Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal 1st Class, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Gold Palm. He was Commander of the Headquarters Squadron, 4900 Air Base Group at Kirtland AFB 1966/67. 

He was a former Secretary of the Albuquerque Elks Lodge 461, member of VFW Post 401 and the American Legion, Ballut Abyad Temple Lodge 6, AF and AM, and Reserve/Retired Officers Assns. He worked 7 years for the New Mexico Real Estate Commission as Executive Director from '79-'84. 

Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Robert P. Harrelson, Sr., former New Mexico State Representative & Senator in the 1930's and Biddie Chapman Harrelson, school teacher and Mesilla Park Postmaster; and siblings, Jessie Ruth Isaacks, Bobby Harrelson Thompson, and James C. Harrelson. 

Pat is survived by his wife of 42 years, Beverly Ray Harrelson and faithful companion Misty; son, Patrick Lee (Sue) Harrelson; daughter, Carol Lyn (Mark) Coffing; stepchildren Greg Bunker, Doris Clark, Beth (Steve) Treibel, and Ken (Diann) Jones; numerous nieces and nephews; grandchildren Jess Harrelson, Christina Harrelson, Dominique (Justin) Wingerd, Gabrielle (Tyler) Tasker, Natasha Coffing, Evelyn Coffing, Adam (Amanda) Bunker, Ryan Bunker, Will (Tiffany) Clark, Meredith Clark, Daniel (Lynne) Treibel; and great grandchildren Mia and Jesse Wingerd, Asher Bunker, Maliah, Chase and Brinley Clark, and Ethan Treibel. 

Services will be at First Christian Church on 10101 Montgomery NE in Albuquerque, NM on December 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Inurnment and Military Honors will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery, on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 2:15 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you give a donation to a charity of your choice in his name.  To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com.

Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010