Public works director retires

Lowell Patterson got far more than the obligatory cake and punch that many people receive at their retirement parties. Dozens of well-wishers, including numerous colleagues, friends and family members, packed the Columbia City Council chambers Wednesday afternoon to help Patterson celebrate the end of his 19 years of service as the city’s public works director.

The reception included proclamations from the city of Columbia, the City Council, the governor’s office and the Missouri General Assembly in recognition of Patterson’s 40-year career.

City Manager Ray Beck praised Patterson for gaining national recognition for the city on numerous occasions. He said it will be hard to replace Patterson.

“It’s pretty difficult to serve in that position for so many years,” Beck said. “Every judgment is inscribed in concrete, and if you make a mistake, you’ll live with it.”

Patterson thanked a host of people including his wife, Janelle; other family members; and several city employees for making the reception more special than he anticipated.

Despite some formalities, the event took on the characteristics of a roast after Patterson, Beck and other city workers provided the audience with a succession of one-liners.

“I knew you could fix big holes,” Beck said, recalling how he hired Patterson to replace himself as public works director.

Patterson joined the city in 1986 after working in West Plains, where in 1978 he dealt with national publicity after a 60-foot diameter sinkhole swallowed the town’s lagoon wastewater.

The most interesting gift of the evening came from Police Chief Randy Boehm; it was a neon “reserved” sign that once marked the spot where Patterson parked for work.

Boehm wrapped the sign in a black, city of Columbia trash bag.

“It’s in recognition of you,” Boehm said.

Former State Treasurer Wendell Bailey also made a special visit to wish Patterson a happy retirement. The two are natives of Willow Springs, located in southern Missouri. He praised Patterson for making it to the big city.

Patterson became flustered at the end of the reception as he remembered feeling uncertain when he took the position nearly two decades ago. He recalled being worried about managing public works for a city as large as Columbia.

He said he plans to remain in Columbia and will spend his time traveling and playing golf.

“After being here for 19 years, I know where home is,” Patterson said.