Malcolm Howie Patterson was born on Sep 9, 1941, in Washington, DC, to Edgar Howie and Suzanne (Otte) Patterson. He grew up in Silver Spring, MD, with a sister Suzanne and a brother Herb, who survive. He became a Christian as a teenager under the tutelage of Carl Brumbach who inspired him to attend seminary. His goal was always to become an overseas missionary.

He attended Holmes Theological Seminary in Greenville, SC, where he earned a Bachelor of Theology degree. From there he came to Bethany, OK, to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and begin serious training in Spanish. In 1966, he began post-graduate classes to the University of Oklahoma, earning a PhD in Spanish while writing a dissertation on the impact of the novel Don Quixote on English Literature.

One June 1, 1969, he married Katherine Alvis, confirming his new status as an Oklahoman. They immediately went north and taught at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, IA. While there, they were blessed with two daughters, Clarissa Edy and Liberty Suelynne. Clarissa's middle name is in honor of her grandfathers and Liberty's in honor of her grandmothers.

In 1977, Malcolm's dream of becoming a missionary was fulfilled when they left for three years in Sincelejo, Colombia. He taught Bible college classes and traveled extensively into jungle areas. The Patterson's son, Glen Daniel, was born in Colombia. Later they moved to Mexico City, where Malcolm developed a children's ministry that continues today.

After returning to the USA, Malcolm taught at Texas A&M International University, Southwestern Christian College, and Southwest Oklahoma State University. His love of Spanish never abated. He taught ESL classes in churches in Oklahoma and woke up from surgery speaking Spanish.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and numerous cousins. He is survived by his wife, his children, Clarissa Urbina (Martin), Liberty Joy (Chad), and Glen, his 12 grandchildren, Joseph Urbina, Seth Urbina (Shelbi), Emily Urbina, Emily Hartman (Aaron), Kaila Joy, Halle Maurer (Nick), Samuel Joy, LaNae Patterson, Daniel Joy, Luke Joy, Ava Joy, and Malcolm Isaiah Patterson and his mother, Cheri Tointigh, and two great-grandchildren, Wallace and Charlotte Urbina.

He fell from our porch steps in January 2025, suffering traumatic brain bleeds and increasing debility over the next 17 months. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff of Russell Murray Hospice and the Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro for their attentive care.

A graveside service for Malcolm will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 19, 2026 at Hydro Masonic Cemetery in Hydro, Oklahoma.