Navajo Code Talker dies at 94 years old
FARMINGTON, N.M. — A member of a Marine Corps unit trained to use the Navajo language to transmit messages during World War II has died.
Navajo Code Talker David E. Patterson Sr., 94, died Sunday in Rio Rancho, according to a press release from the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.
In an email to the Daily Times, his son, Pat Patterson, wrote that his father lived in Shiprock for years but moved to Rio Rancho in 2012 to live with his youngest son.
“Those who were close to him knew he was a devoted Catholic. He loved bingo, baseball — Los Angeles Dodgers — and was an avid bowler, a passion in which he enjoyed doing until the very end,” Pat Patterson wrote.
David E. Patterson served in the Marine Corps in 1943 until he was honorably discharged in April 1945.
After military service, Patterson went to college in Oklahoma and in New Mexico, becoming a social worker, according to Pat Patterson.
He worked for the tribe’s Division of Social Services until retiring in 1987. He also volunteered as a foster grandparent to schools in Shiprock until 2012.
Patterson married and raised his family in Oklahoma, California and Shiprock.
He was the recipient of the Congressional Silver Medal in November 2001.
Patterson was Táchii’nii (Red Running Into the Water People Clan), born for Kinlichii’nii (The Red House People Clan). His maternal grandfather clan was Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People), and his paternal grandfather clan was Naakai dine’é (The Mexican Clan).
Leaders from the Navajo Nation expressed their condolences in statements from their offices.
“Beyond his service in protecting our freedom, he was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. The Office of the President and Vice President extends our condolences to his family during this time of mourning,” Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said.
Speaker LoRenzo Bates called Patterson “a great example” for the tribe through his military service.
“We will miss his presence and service in our communities where he helped many of our Navajo people,” Bates said.
Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for the Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636.