David Lee Van Patten, son of Loren E. and Mildred Standish Van Patten was born December 9, 1933, in his maternal grandparents' home northwest of Almena, KS and died with his children caring for him at his daughters' home near Elkland/Charity, Missouri on August 25, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

David was a lifetime resident of the Almena area.  He attended Almena and Kinderhook grade schools and graduated from Almena Rural Highschool in 1952. On August 9, 1953, David married Mary Jane Burbach. He attended Kansas State University for 2 ½ years before enlisting in the Army on January 29, 1955.  He served in the Army until November 24, 1959, at which time he and Mary Jane returned to the Van Patten farm northwest of Almena.

David served on the Board of Federal Land Bank Association of Hays, KS for nine years and the Board of Almena State Bank.  He was a member of and past Master of the Masonic Naphthali Lodge #310, and the Isis Shrine Club of Salina, KS.  He was a member of and past Commander of Paul D. Linnell, American Legion, Post #266 of Almena and served on the Board of Directors of the Almena Irrigation District for 40 years serving as President for 20 of those years. David worked as the Superintendent of the District for 10 years.

For many years David and Mary Jane were members of two card clubs and enjoyed evenings out dancing with their friends.  David and Mary Jane were the ultimate hosts, including foreign exchange students in the 70s and 80s. David considered Vivian, Malu and Concha his daughters and enjoyed many trips to Mexico and Guatemala nurturing those relationships.  They opened their home to lifelong friends that came pheasant hunting, even when they were not home.  David and Mary Jane were snowbirds and enjoyed the many friends they acquired in Casa Grande, Arizona. David enjoyed traveling the country and the world to visit family, army friends and to experience other cultures.  He enjoyed carpentry, remodeling their homes and those of his children and friends.  As a father, David was always there whenever his kids needed.

David is survived by his son, Tony and Rose Van Patten of Almena; daughters, Teresa and James Larimer of Elkland, Missouri and Tina and Kevin Coddington of Fair Grove, Missouri.  He is survived by his grandchildren, Ben Van Patten and Tonya Merrill of Phillipsburg, KS, Mathew and Hilary Van Patten, Almena, KS, Brynn and Will Hendrick, College Station, TX, Patrick and Danen Hammond, St. Mary's, GA, Kayli and Wes Potter, Fair Grove and Kolten Coddington, Springfield, MO.  He is also survived by his two sisters, Gloria Nelson and Judy Jocelyn.  David had 16 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane; father and mother, Loren Van Patten and Mildred Van Patten Baudry; and grandson, Mark Van Patten.

The family will hold graveside services at a later time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.