Pat Van English, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully after a short illness. Pat was born on September 19, 1940, in Lubbock, Texas, to Elisha John and Ava Bernice English. At the age of eleven, Pat moved to Cochise County, Arizona, where he spent the next 75 years of his life building a legacy of service, kindness and dedication to his family and community.

Pat graduated from Douglas High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Agriculture from the University of Arizona in 1961. After college, he began his career in education, teaching vocational agriculture for 38 years at Valley Union High School and an additional two years in Coolidge, Arizona. Pat was a natural teacher and mentor whose influence extended well beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students.

In 1965, Pat married the love of his life, Ann Parks, and together they established their ranch home in Double Adobe, Arizona. Their family grew to include three children—Vanessa Lynn, John Patrick (wife Julie), and James Edward (wife Kelly)—and four cherished grandchildren—Ava Maria, Westley Paul, Tucker James, and Hadley Grace. Pat's family was his pride and joy, and he embodied the role of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Service to his community was central to Pat's life. He dedicated 55 years as a board member for Double Adobe School and served 32 years on the Southeastern Arizona Federal Credit Union board. Pat also contributed his time and leadership to Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, the Grand Canyon State Electrical Board, and the Douglas Elks Lodge #985, always answering the call to serve with humility and diligence.

Pat is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ann English; his children, Vanessa, John (Julie), and James (Kelly); his four grandchildren, Ava, Westley, Tucker, and Hadley; his sister, Lou Ann Ralston; and nieces Stacy (Ken) Stone and Stephanie Suhr who reside in Greer, North Carolina. Pat's legacy is one of compassion, integrity, and dedication. He was a kind and gentle man who truly had no enemies, earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

A celebration of Pat's life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at the Valley Union High School Gym in Elfrida, Arizona. Family, friends, and former students are invited to gather and honor the life of a man who gave so much to others. Your presence will be a welcomed tribute to Pat's enduring impact.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to an educational institution that is meaningful to you, honoring Pat's lifelong commitment to education and public service.

Pat Van English will be remembered as a pillar of the community, a dedicated teacher, and a man whose kindness and quiet strength touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed but forever loved.