John “Jay” Henderson Patterson

John “Jay” Henderson Patterson passed away June 9, 2026, at the age of 88. He was born on March 17, 1938, in Ava, Missouri, to BF (Pat) Patterson and Freida Osborn Patterson. He graduated from West Plains High School (West Plains, MO) in 1956 and proceeded to attend Sul Ross State College on a basketball scholarship. It was there that he met the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Knox. After his graduation the two were married on May 26, 1960.
Jay and Judy moved to Fabens, TX, where he began his career in education and coaching. Jay’s celebrated and distinguished career spanned over 41 years in Texas at Wink, Devine and Medina Valley High Schools. At Medina Valley he was part of the state championship coaching staff in football and rose to the title of Athletic Director. As Director, Jay was instrumental in the growth and development of the Medina Valley athletic programs. After his retirement at MV he continued teaching math locally at San Antonio College.
Jay and Judy thoroughly enjoyed traveling to their favorite locations in Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. They found true joy in life with the addition of their three grandchildren. They were regular fixtures with him on the football field. He and Judy also hosted them throughout the summers and attended countless sporting events, graduations and life events in support of them throughout the years. He welcomed great-granddaughters in 2023, 2024, and a great-grandson in 2025 and loved spending time with the newest generation of his family.
He is survived by his children Jay Patterson (Barbie) of San Antonio, TX; Jan Glasser (Mark) of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Zac Glasser (Victoria) of LaCoste, TX, Meaghan Patterson Reed (DJ) of San Antonio, TX, Hannah Glasser of San Antonio, TX; great-grandchildren Vanessa and Grayson Glasser, Parker Reed; sister Betty Jean Hickox of West Plains, MO; sister-in-law Jody Knox of Kennesaw, GA; sister-in-law Janelle Patterson of Columbia, MO; nephew Chris Hartman of Kennesaw, GA; honorary daughter Sheri Carter of San Antonio, TX; beloved dog Cozi as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wonderful wife Judy, brother Lowell Patterson, brothers-in-law Gary Hickox and Charles Knox.
The family would like to thank Always Best Care Senior Services, especially Faith and Anderson for their care along with Dr. Lloyd VanWinkle, Donna and Accent Care Home Health and Hospice.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Jay and Judy Patterson on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Braden Keller Center, Castroville, Texas, 1pm to 4pm. Memorials may be made to Medina Valley Sports Boosters or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com.