Dr. Robert Steven "Bob" Patterson of Springfield, MO passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026 after a 9 year illness with Parkinson's Disease. Bob was born June 11, 1947 in Burlington, Iowa to Ralph and Marie Patterson (nee Langer).

He earned his Bachelor's, Masters and Phd. in Physics & Astronomy at the University of Iowa during which he studied under the physicist Dr. James Van Allen. He served in the United States Air Force from 1969-1973, stationed in England. He was a professor of Physics & Astronomy at Missouri State University for 42 years. He was a member of the American Astronomical Society.

He met the love of his life Marta Freytag in 1962 and they married in 1967.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kathy. 

Bob is survived by his wife and two daughters Melissa (Jason) Brown (of Collierville, TN) and Amanda (Jonathan) Gregory (Springfield, MO) and five amazing grandchildren: Zach and Tyler Brown and Jack, Ben and Will Gregory. He is also survived by his brother Bill and numerous nieces and nephews.

 He enjoyed visiting his good friend David Carleton every week and talking about old times and watching movies. He was a dedicated teacher, a wonderful father and husband and will be greatly missed. His astronomical knowledge and Dad jokes were out of this world.