Customs Agent Denis Lee Van Patten

Customs Agent Denis Lee Van Patten

United States Department of the Treasury - United States Customs Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Monday, December 22, 1980

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Denis Lee Van Patten

Customs Agent Denis Van Patten was killed in a vehicle crash while assigned as an attache to the United States Department of State in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Agent Van Patten was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. He had served with the United States Customs Service for six years and was assigned to the United States Customs Service's Narcotics Control Division. He is survived by his wife and son.

Bio

Age 40
Tour 6 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Automobile crash
Location Overseas

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Most Recent Reflection

View all 11 Reflections

I think about my Uncle Denis often as one of the 'Few Good Men.' He visited us shortly before he returned to duty station that December and it still remains a fond childhood memory. I remember his big smile and the special gifts he gave us.

My mom and I went to the memorial in D.C. a few years ago and said a prayer to honor him.

I tell my children about him and he will never be forgotten.

April Fortune

December 2, 2022