Patrick R. Sterrett, MD, PhD, passed away on August 20, 2026. He will be missed by many. His love of life, family, medicine, and golf was evident to all who knew him.

Born October 17, 1942, in Concordia, Kansas, Patrick (Pat) graduated from Norton High School in Norton, Kansas. In 1966, he married his true love and high school sweetheart, Jeanette Lang Sterrett, with whom he shared 59 years. In addition to Jeanette, he is survived by his children, Sam Sterrett of Greenville, South Carolina, and Carrie (Peter) Krow of Larchmont, New York; and brother, Jack Sterrett of Columbia, Missouri. He adored his grandchildren, Winston and Connor Krow and Dylan, Emily, and Luke Sterrett.

The oldest of seven boys, Pat developed a strong work ethic as a child, working on the farm and delivering newspapers. Among his fondest memories were the backpacking trips he took as an Eagle Scout. After graduating from the University of Kansas with a BSN, he served as a Captain in the Army working as a surgical nurse in El Paso, Texas; Ascom City, Korea; and San Francisco, California. He later returned to University of Kansas Medical Center to complete his PhD in Anatomy. He subsequently taught Anatomy at Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock, Texas, where he earned an NIH grant. As professor, he was presented with the "Outstanding Professor Award" as well as “Best Course Award”. Despite his passion for teaching his dream was to become a physician. He entered medical school in El Paso, Texas and completed his clinical rotations at Yale University. He then matched and completed his Neurology internship and residency at Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, South Carolina. Pat and his family then moved to Dubuque, Iowa where he practiced Neurology for over 26 years. Pat was passionate about medicine and cared for the most difficult cases. He worked long hours and was truly dedicated to his patients. After Pat retired, he then moved to Travelers Rest, South Carolina, to enjoy his family and his love for golf. One could not walk into a room in his home without kicking a ball or tripping over a club. His library, once filled with medical books, gave way to golf videos and training tools. The fellowship and friendships he found on the course, however, were his favorite part of the game.

Above all, Pat considered his family his greatest accomplishment. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren most of all. He never wanted to miss a sporting, school or religious event, and he was always purchasing fishing equipment to help them catch “the big one” in his lake. Even until his last breath, he wanted just a little more time with his grandchildren. He was a true patriarch, a magnificent husband, a caring father, a best friend, and a loving Papa. He will be remembered for his work ethic, his integrity, and his ability to pull out a joke under any circumstance. To him, laughter was the best medicine.

In lieu of flowers, the Sterrett family asks that you honor Pat’s memory by loving one another, cherishing your family and being there for those in need. May his love live on through the kindness and compassion we show each other. We encourage you to donate to the charity of your choice in Pat’s name.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 111 Hampton Avenue, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, on September 4, 2026, at 12:00pm. There will be a burial in Norton, Kansas at a later date.

 May God bless his soul.