Donald O. Pattison

Donald “Don” Osborne Pattison passed away peacefully in his home on September 12, 2020. Don was born May 26, 1933 in Long Beach, California to parents Frank William and Dora Osborne Pattison. He spent his youth participating in a variety of sports including basketball and track which he excelled while attending Poly High School in Long Beach.

Don received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from California State University, Long Beach. During this period Don met his college sweetheart Donna Rae Robinson and they were later married on July 3, 1955 in Lakewood, California. Don spent 2 years in the United States Army Corps of Engineers where he played a key role in developing solutions that protect the United States National Defense. He began his professional career as a Test Engineer at Douglas Aircraft and later worked in the same capacity at Grumman Aircraft. His career really began to blossom when he joined Aerojet Ordnance Company, Downey California, as a Mechanical Engineer in 1963. Don was transferred by Aerojet in 1965 to Fort Walton Beach, FL where he established a field office dedicated to supporting the United States Air Force particularly with test and development at Eglin Air Force Base. Don established his own firm, D.O. Pattison and Associates, in 1976 which he ran until 1989. Following his career in Aerospace and Defense Don completed a Master of Science Degree in Psychology from Troy State University and a Doctorate in Psychology from Auburn University. Subsequent to these graduations he started both Pattison Professional Counseling Center and the Counseling Center at St. Simon’s Episcopal Church.

Don was very involved in the communities of Okaloosa County Florida for most of his life. He was a member of the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Krewe of Bowlegs, a member of the Republican Club of Okaloosa County. He also served in a variety of capacities at St. Simon's on - the - Sound as well as President of the Board of Directors at the Ben Gordon Visitation Center. In addition to these achievements he spent many years developing the skills of local athletes by coaching baseball, basketball and football in both little league and the Okaloosa County School System. Many years later Don received the esteemed Al Byrne Award for his mentorship in athletics from the All Sports Association in 2009. Don expanded his passion for helping others through his commitment to mental health counseling and his dedication and service to the Church. He was a man who loved people and was loved in return. The Pattison Family wishes to extend a special thanks to Drs. Mark Schroeder, Derek Jimenez and James Wilson.

Don is survived by his wife Donna Rae Pattison, his sister Norma “Jeanne” McHenry of Mesa, AZ, his sons Michael David Pattison of Irvine, CA, Mark Leslie Pattison (Teresa) of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Jeffrey Scott Pattison of Shalimar, FL, his Grandchildren Donald Pattison, Hunter Pattison, Sydney Pattison Crews (Clay), Matthew Pattison, Annika Pattison and Tanner Pattison.

Announcement due to Covid 19 a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date … In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Simons Episcopal Church, Ft. Walton Beach, Fl. 32548

And In the End ...

The Love We Take

Is Equal To The Love We Make

-- The Beatles

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