Patrick Marshall Armstrong

Patrick Marshall Armstrong, 81, of Tacoma, Wash., passed away on Dec. 10, 2014. He was born in Nevada, Mo., on Dec. 30, 1932. Patrick married Dorothy (Mesplay) Armstrong in February 1953. He joined the Army in March 1953, and retired after 26 years. He was a Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient.

In 1973, Patrick settled in Tacoma, where he spent the remainder of his life. After retiring from the Army, he had a rock and mineral business. Patrick was always an avid rockhound. He was President of the Tacoma Agate Club, and the All Rockhound Pow Wow Club of America. When he was not cutting and polishing rocks, he was enjoying winters with Dorothy in Arizona.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Armstrong and Alice Hess; brother, Robert "Bob" Armstrong; and daughter, Rhonda Chapman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Armstrong; daughter, Roxanne Jordan; son, Patrick Michael Armstrong; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many friends and loved ones.

Dorothy was the light of Patrick's life. Patrick was a family man; he valued his time spent with loved ones above all else. He was an honorable man, who brought out the best in everyone. All who met him liked him. "And although his wings, they were never seen I thought that he walked on water."

Services will be held in Missouri with full military honors at a later date.