Wayland "Rusty" Lee Patterson

October 12, 1947 – February 26, 2026

Wayland "Rusty" Lee Patterson, age 78, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Born on October 12, 1947, he was the beloved son of Alvie and Loradene Patterson of Ralls, Texas. Rusty built his life around hard work, determination, and a deep love for heavy equipment. He began his career working for Buster Brown with Buster Brown Drilling Service and later with H.D. Weaver. In 1982, with grit and entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own business, carving out a reputation for reliability, integrity, and unmatched skill.

An exceptional backhoe operator, Rusty was truly masterful at moving the earth. Those who worked alongside him often marveled at his precision and steady hand. He didn't just operate heavy equipment — he understood it. The rumble of an engine and the feel of the controls were as natural to him as breathing. His work shaped landscapes and laid foundations, leaving a lasting mark on his community. Beyond his career, Rusty was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Alvie and Loradene Patterson, and his brother, Mark Patterson. Stepson Shane Blackmore.  Son in law Johnny Crites.

He is survived by his wife Gwendolyn Patterson; his children, Melissa Jenson and husband David, Donna Crites and significant other Steve, Kevin Patterson and wife Jackie, Shari Bigham and husband, Christopher and significant other Dane, and stepdaughter Jeree Hanavec and husband Karl. He is also survived by his sister Phillis Patterson Orrick. He was a proud grandfather to Robert Crites (Jenna Crites), Daci Crites, Brooklynn Crites, Keagan Aleman (Meagan Aleman), Conner Bigham, Casen Bigham (Sydney Bigham), Dalton Harris (Hailey Harris), Syndey Hanavec Karl "K2" Hanavec, Tatum Carpenter (Seth Carpenter), Kalum Patterson, Alexandra Ardolino. And a cherished great-grandfather to seven great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and he took immense pride in each of them.

Rusty will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his quiet strength, and his ability to quite literally move mountains. His legacy lives on in the lives he built, the land he shaped, and the family he loved so deeply. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.