October 29, 1976

Man dies in bulldozer accident

       A Franklin man was killed about 2:30 p.m. Friday when the bulldozer he was operating slipped off an earth ledge and fell 20 feet to the Illinois Central Gulf railroad tracks near the Carefree South addition, in White River Township according to investigators. The victim was identified as Redden (Pat) Patterson, 48, 450 Yandes Street, Franklin.  Authorities said he was an employee of the A&S Construction Co. in Franklin.

         Deputy Johnson County corner Gary Neeman said Patterson was operating the bulldozer at a project behind 202 Serenity Way in White River township.  Witnesses at the scene told Neeman that Patterson was leveling an area in preparation for digging a trench.  Although no one actually witnessed the incident, Neeman said, the bulldozer apparently slipped off the edge of an embankment and fell 20 feet to the railroad tracks.

         The body was found lying between the bulldozer and the railroad tracks.  Although Patterson was pronounced dead at the scene, Johnson County Coroner Dr. Harley Palmer later conducted an autopsy.  He ruled the death was due to massive internal injuries.  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home.  Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

         Patterson was born May 17, 1928 in Shelby County to Redden and Marie Hungate Patterson.  He attended Waldron High School.  He married his second wife, Martha, who survives, on January 17, 1964.  He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Sherry Clark, Franklin; two sons, Rex Patterson and Max Patterson, both of Franklin; a brother, Paul Patterson, North Manchester, Indiana; and one grandchild.

    

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