Louis "Lou" "Babinga" Patterson

Louis “Lou” "Babinga" Patterson September 9, 1957 – June 13, 2025 Louis Patterson, affectionately known as Lou, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025, in Festus, Missouri, at the age of 67. He was born on September 9, 1957, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to the late Thomas Leroy Patterson and Jewel Woodward Patterson. Lou was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Thomas and Jewel; his brother, Thomas Jr.; and sisters, Portia Clubb and Jewel Fewell. He is survived by his lifelong partner, Rochelle Rosenkeotter; his children Melissa Patterson Aleman, Melanie Hare, Samantha Herschbach, Casey Gooley, Alisa Menilo, and Thomas Patterson; and ten treasured grandchildren: Allyson Swann, Kayden King, Kanyon Goodman, Wyatt Hare, Evelyn Gooley, Lottie Gooley, Karlyle Patterson, Asher Gooley, Theodore Herschbach, and Hans Herschbach. From a young age, Lou’s presence was magnetic—his free spirit and natural charm made him unforgettable. At just nine years old, he picked up his first guitar, and from that moment on, music became the lifeblood of his soul. Whether playing in a band, attending countless concerts, sharing stories with fellow musicians, or simply spinning records, Lou’s world was soundtracked by rock ’n’ roll. He was a founding member of World’s Best Band KLL and proudly inducted into the St. Louis Rock Hall of Fame, but his greatest pride was in his family and his role as “Dad” and “Grandpa.” Those who knew Lou knew laughter followed him. His wit, sharp mind, and seemingly endless trove of stories made him the life of every room. He never met a stranger and always had something—be it a memory, a photograph, or a piece of memorabilia—to share. Despite his rock-and-roll exterior, Lou was a man of deep faith. His belief in Christ was unshakable. He held to the truth that the best of this life was only a glimpse of the eternity he knew awaited him, and his greatest hope was that those he loved would know that same peace. True to his wishes, no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. Instead, Lou asked that those who loved him honor his life by holding each other close, making amends, and cherishing the moments that truly matter. If you have a memory or story of Lou, please send it to babingamemories@gmail.com so his grandchildren can one day read and remember the life he lived through the eyes of those who knew him. Lou’s final months were deeply touched by the Babinga community, his rock family, and cherished friends both near and far. The outpouring of love was not lost on him—he felt it all and often expressed how truly blessed he was. To Nektar, thank you for honoring Lou and for your years of friendship. To Kenny—his ride-or-die brother—he loved you like family. To the King family, you were his family in every way that mattered. And to all the friends who stood by him through the highs and lows, know that Lou saw you, loved you, and held your presence in his life with gratitude. Rock on, Lou. Your song plays on in all of us.

Louis "Lou" "Babinga" Patterson

September 9, 1957 - June 13, 2025