Donald Patterson grew up in Garland, Texas - a suburb of Dallas.  In 1985, he married Mary Donovan, whom he met in Garland. God has blessed their marriage with four sons: Donovan, Seth, Caleb and Blake.

Don earned a degree from East Texas State in agricul- ture education before pursuing the ministry.  In the fall of 1986, he entered the theology program at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. He completed his Masters of Divinity at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Upon graduation from the seminary in 1992, Don was called to Holy Word Lutheran church in Austin, Texas, where he presently serves as senior pastor. In addition, Don serves the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) at large.  He is vice-president for the South Central district and sits on the board of directors for Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Services.

Don has also spoken at numerous marriage retreats, conferences, and seminars.  He has written several articles for various synod publications, such as Forward in Christ, Meditations, Lutheran Parenting, and Lutheran Leadership.