Fred Leroy Patmon was born in Hoxie, Kansas, on Jan. 12, 1949. He was the oldest child of Charles (Chuck) and Arlene Hereford Patmon. Fred was soon joined by sisters Carol Mueller (Larry), Jean Baggs (Mike), Connie Garcia and Pam Spencer (Dave).
In 1955, the family moved to a farm near La Center, Washington. Fred attended the La Center School District from first grade through graduation in 1967. He made many long-lasting friendships. During those years, he helped his parents on the family’s farm. He played football and the trumpet in high school. Fred roamed the rivers and streams around La Center, learning and practicing his fishing skills.
After graduating from La Center High School, Fred worked for two years in order to buy his beloved red 1967 Chevy Nova Super Sport car. Weekends often found him street racing around Clark County. He then attended Clark College, where he met his future wife, Lorena Herron. Fred was the captain of the college forensics team at Clark. Fred and Lorena married midway through college before moving to Oregon to finish college.
Fred was the recipient of a scholarship from the Portland State University forensics (speech and debate) department. During that same time, he and his father started a business, Columbia Hydraulic Service Inc. The business built and repaired hydraulic systems for industrial applications. These were very busy years as Fred worked as well as attended college. Fred graduated with a BS degree in economics from Portland State University in 1973. Fred and his father worked together until Chuck retired in the 1990s.
Fred and Lorena became the parents of two sons, Bryant Herron-Patmon in 1980 and Adam Herron-Patmon in 1984. He was very proud of his two boys and enjoyed doing outdoor activities with them as well as teaching them about watching football and playing card games.
In 1986, Fred and his young family moved back to north Clark County, Washington. They attended Battle Ground Community United Methodist Church, and Fred made it a priority, as a father, to attend. After their move to the Battle Ground area, Fred commuted to work in Portland until he retired in 2009. With increasing health problems, he moved to live on the property of sister Jean and husband Mike Baggs in Oregon City.
Fred and Lorena divorced in 2010, but regained their friendship in Fred's last years. She drove him to revisit the drag racing area near Vancouver Lake, the Clark College campus, the family farm and numerous favorite fishing spots. In his last days, Fred had plans for the future, and they included lots of fishing.
Becoming a grandfather to Bryant and Bryana’s children, Braeden and Blair, was very meaningful for him. He loved being called Grandpa Fred.
Due to declining health, Fred lived most of his last two years in Mallard Landing Assisted Living in Battle Ground. Family and friends were able to visit him there. He rounded up and enjoyed a crew of card players at Mallard Landing. Fred made friends among the residents and staff.
Given free time, fresh or saltwater fishing were Fred’s recreation of choice. He was very knowledgeable about fishing techniques as well as knowing about the habits and locations of the various fish.
Fred passed away on Jan. 15, 2025, in Battle Ground. At his request, his ashes will be dispersed at the same location as those of his parents, off the Pacific Coast out of Ilwaco from the ship of his favorite skipper.
