Steven Armand Patterson, 25, passed away on March 14, 2013 in Shafter. Born on February 11, 1988, Steven is the son of Matthew and Therese Patterson. After graduating from Shafter High in 2006, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Combat Controller. During his five years of service, he was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for combat actions in service of his country. Steven was well known by family and friends for his charismatic, one-of-a-kind grin. He was an avid shooter, woodsman and skydiver. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and was always seeking an adventure. His favorite pastime was working on and riding his motorcycle, a hobby he often shared with his father. Steven was preceded in death by Norman Patterson and Kelly Patterson. He is survived by his parents, Matthew and Therese; his grandparents Armand and Marie Des Lauriers of Ludlow, MA; his grandmother Elizabeth Patterson of Sedalia, MO; his sister Amanda and husband Luis Reyes of Mildenhall, England; his brother Nathaniel and wife Deanna of New Castle, PA; and his nephews Ezekiel and Lucas. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund, 12803 Mount Batten Place, Bakersfield, CA 93312. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 21 at 10am at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 7100 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield. Graveside committal will be held at Bakersfield National Cemetery, Hwy 58 & Bear Mtn. Blvd at 2pm. Msgr. Perry of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will officiate the services. A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 20, from 4pm to 8pm at Peters Funeral Home, 844 E. Lerdo Hwy, Shafter.