Charles Hanson Van Patten, 91, of Columbia, died Sunday, January 22, 2017. Born on May 14, 1925 in Charleston, SC, he was a son of the late Earl and Annie May Van Patten.
Mr. Van Patten served in WWII where he earned a bronze medal during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, he served in the United States Constabulary. He attended the University of South Carolina earning a Bachelor of Science in Business as well as a Master's degree in Education and Administration. Mr. Van Patten taught in Columbia and West Columbia schools before becoming principal at W. Clark Brockman Elementary. In 1972, he moved to Simpsonville, SC and became principal of Morton Elementary School until his retirement. He, then, returned to Columbia where he enjoyed USC baseball and was very active in Ascension Lutheran Church. He served on church council, taught adult Sunday school class, sang in the choir and served as lector.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Dorothy Meetze Van Patten and daughter, Charlene Van Patten.

The service for Mr. Van Patten will be held at 11:30 o'clock, Wednesday, January 25th at Ascension Lutheran Church, 827 Wildwood Avenue, Columbia with the Reverend Jackie Utley officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service in the church fellowship hall beginning at 11 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, is assisting the family.

The family suggests memorials be made to Ascension Lutheran Church.