GALEN PATTERSON
Galen died Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at his home in Wagner. Funeral services were Monday, November 29 at the National Guard Armory in Wagner. Burial was in the Hill Church Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Dante, with military honors. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.
Galen Duane Patterson, Sr. was born on July 18, 1970 in Wagner, to Susan (Susie) Patterson and John Cooke Sr. He was raised for most of his life by his Auntie Christine Patterson. Galen was very close to his siblings: sisters Donette and Kristi; brothers Jason and John Cooke, Jr. (Juice).
Galen attended school at Marty where he participated in cross country and basketball. He graduated in May 1990 and enlisted in the United States Navy in September 1990. He was deployed overseas during Operation Desert Storm and proudly served his country, being recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, the Battle E Ribbon and the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon before he was honorably discharged in 1992.
After returning from deployment Galen met the love of his life, Jennifer Primeaux. They were together for 26 loving years and had four beautiful children: Galen Jr. (24), Janae (21), Genesis (14) and Jerryn (14). They also have three godchildren: Daniel Kemp, Tawney FoolBull, JJ and a great granddaughter, Nova “Boba” FoolBull, whom Galen loved very much.
Galen was employed by the Fort Randall Casino for 29 years in the Purchasing Department and was the department manager for the last 16 of those years. He loved going to work and helping in any and every way he could. If anybody was looking for him, he was more than likely at work. He loved it so much he would often work seven days a week. It is impossible to picture the Casino without Galen. There isn’t an employee in the building who he hasn’t touched in some way. Galen enjoyed going to work at the Casino, playing bingo, watching Duke basketball and Broncos football, playing slots on his phone and traveling to watch his kids participate in their many tournaments. He was also an avid dart thrower before he “went into retirement” as he would say. Everywhere Galen went he knew someone or they knew him and would end up in an hour long conversation. He was very loved and will be very, very missed.
Galen is survived by his partner Jen; his sisters: Donette Patterson and Kristi Cooke; his brothers: Jason Cooke and John Cooke, Jr.; his children: Galen Jr., Janae, Genesis and Jerryn; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and his great granddaughter.
Galen was preceded in death by his parents Susie Patterson and John Cooke Sr.; his aunties: Christine Patterson and Phyllis Powers; his brother George Cournoyer Jr. (Bug) and many other relatives that have passed on.