John (Jack) M. Patress

John M. “Jack,” “Banana Man” Patress, 69, of Washington, died Sunday, October 19, 2008, in his residence, following a lengthy illness. He was born September 21, 1939, in the Lincoln Hill section of Washington, a son of Michael and Florence Gleason Patress. Mr. Patress was a truck driver for 35 years, working for Suwak Trucking, OCS Trucking and R1 Trucking. He also sold produce in the Washington area for many years. He was a member of the Keystone Club and the VFW in Washington, the Eagles in Bentleyville, and Somerset-Ellsworth VFD and a former member of North Franklin VFD. Mr. Patress enjoyed fishing. He was Presbyterian. On December 7, 1963, he married Jo Anne Muir, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jonathan “John” (Nancy) Patress and Joseph (Julie) Patress, both of Bentleyville; a daughter, Jennifer (Shawn) Turner of California; one brother, Kenneth Patress of Washington; three grandchildren, Shawn and Kaytlin Turner and Jenna Patress. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 25th, in Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Ray Bruno officiating. Immediately following the service, a dinner will be served at the Bentleyville VFC Hall. Memorial donations may be made to a hospice of the donor’s choice, or to Ellsworth Volunteer Fire Department.