Homer E. “Pat” Patty
17th TCS Adjutant: 1942-1945
Homer E. Patty		Passed away on October 15, 2002, preceded in death by daughter, Janet Marie; his parents, two sisters, Alice Fessenden and Stella Patty; and one brother, Clark. Homer is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Mavis; son, Scott, his wife, Susana, and their children, Diana, Scott, Jr., and Rebecca Janette; and son Bruce and his wife, Paula. Homer was born on August 31,1911, in Kirkland, Washington. His parents were members of "pioneering homesteaders" in the Seattle area. He participated in WWI by selling United States War Bonds and helping out at Victory Gardens, and was active in academics, student groups, and all athletics in the Kirkland public schools. He earned a degree in Education from the University of Washington, working his way through primarily with work in the US Forest Service in Central Idaho. Homer enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in November,1940 and was commissioned in June of 1942. He served for three years with the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 64th Troop Carrier Group as Adjutant.
This group earned 11 battle stars for campaigns in the European, African and Mediterranean Theatres, and one battle star for a campaign In the China-Burma-India theatre, and was also awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. In 1946, Homer was commissioned into the United States Air Force, while stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he met his wife, Mavis Jackson. They were married in July 1947, and began married life together at March AFB in Riverside, CA. They enjoyed many choice assignments including Omaha, England, Tampa, Ruston, LA (where he served as Professor of Air Science at Louisiana Tech), and Teheran, Iran. Homer retired from the USAF in 1962, and moved to Tucson in 1963, where he worked for the Arizona Department of Economic Security, retiring In 1981. Homer was active at Catalina United Methodist Church, and was always ready to help those in need. He was an active member in the Civitan service club for over 20 years, and volunteered at the Tucson Community Food Bank and Casa Maria Servings for the Homeless. Homer took great pleasure from family life, friends, and sports. Memorial services will be held at Catalina United Methodist Church, at 2700 Speedway Boulevard, on October 23, 2002, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Tucson Community Food Bank or to Catalina United Methodist Church.
	Captain Homer E. Patty, the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron Adjutant, at Arles, France, during World War II. (Photo courtesy of Mrs. William A. “Genevieve” Hitchcock)

Back to Top