Major Patrick E. McPherson (R), 70, of Coloma, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening. Memorials in Pat's honor may be made to the Salvation Army. Those wishing to leave a message for the family may do so by selecting the "Sign Guestbook" option above.

Patrick was born Feb. 18, 1946 in Kansas City, Kans. to Boyd and Doris (Knox) McPherson. After graduating from Wyandotte High School, he attended Kansas City Metro Jr. College and was active with the college band, choir, and Salvation Army Metro Band. He and his wife Carmella were married on Feb. 15, 1969 and have worked side by side ever since.

Major Pat was a Salvation Army minister for 38 years, retiring in 2009. During that time, he was the Salvation Army National Emergency Director for 23 years; working with FEMA, NOVA and Homeland Security. He was also the founder of the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN). A special award from SATERN was to be presented to Pat next month. He was an avid ham radio operator and a Sky Warn member.

Major Pat is survived by his wife Carmella; son Sean McPherson of McHenry, Ill.; daughters Tara (Danny) Garcia of Elgin, Ill.; and Erin McPherson of Chicago, Ill.; a brother Majors Laurence (Judy) McPherson of Branson West, Mo.; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents; brother Boyd McPherson; niece Amy Lambrecht and nephew Bradley McCanles.