Robert Lee Patterson, Sr., age 81, of Paducah, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2017, 9:08 a.m., at Lourdes Hospital.

Mr. Patterson was the first African American Police Chief for the City of Paducah and in the State of Kentucky.

He was a member of Burks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served in the  Brotherhood of the church.  He was a graduate of the former Lincoln High School and was a Veteran of the U.S. Navy.  Robert was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and was instrumental in starting the area's "DARE" Program and the West Kentucky Narcotics Program.

He is survived by three sons , Robert Lee Patterson, Jr., Joseph D. Patterson and Milo D. Patterson, all of Paducah; two daughters , Tracey A. Jefferson and Je'Na Patterson-Cole, both of Paducah; eighteen grandchildren ; thirty-five great-grandchildren ; three brothers , Reverend Joe Cole of Mt. Clemens, MI, Paul Patterson, Jr. and Michael Patterson, both of Paducah; three sisters , Beatrice White, Dorothy Young and Dimmia Patterson, all of Paducah; several nieces, nephews and cousins .

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Patterson, Sr. and Dorothy L. Bolen Patterson; one grandson; one great-grandson; one brother and three sisters.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, October 14, 2017, 1:00 p.m., at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend B. Kennedy officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.