Justin Dale Patras

Justin Dale Patras

July 26, 1996 - July 6, 2024

McCOOK, Neb. - Justin Dale Patras went to be with the Lord peacefully at Great Plains Regional Medical Century in North Platte, Neb. on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the young age of 27.

Justin is survived by his wife, Monica Kyley Patras and their four children, Lily (5), Aurora (3), Waylon (2), and Delilah (10 months); his parents, Bill and Barb Patras; two sisters, Emily Patras (fiancé, Kyle Markussen) and Zoey Patras, all of McCook; grandparents, Jack and Neta Ridinger of North Platte; uncles, Ted Fuller of Texas, Trent (Gena) Fuller of Gretna, Neb., and Steve Ridinger (Phyllis Knox) of North Platte; several cousins, and a ton of friends. Justin knew no strangers and made friends with everyone he met.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Glenn and Angela Ridinger; grandma, Bonnie Ridinger; uncle, Benny Foster; aunt, Tammy Knight; and numerous other family members and friends.

Justin was born on July 26, 1996 in McCook, Neb. to Bill and Barb (Ridinger) Patras. He studied taekwondo at a young age and continued it into middle school, rising to the level of Blue Belt. Justin graduated from McCook High School in 2015. He joined the Red Willow Western Rural Fire Department with the Junior Firefighter Program and stayed until he left for Marine Corps Boot Camp. Upon returning to McCook after serving his county, Jusitn rejoined the Department as a full-time volunteer.

Justin joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 18 and served for four years. He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii; served two deployments in Japan and Korea where he earned the Korean Defense Service Medal. In his four years, he also earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Letter of Appreciation, Expert Rifle Qualification Badge, and was a squad leader for almost all of Boot Camp.

Justin married the love of his life, Monica Fulcher on April 14, 2017. They lived between Texas and McCook their entire marriage. He worked several jobs, ranging from construction to line work. He was currently employed as a lineman with IES. Over a period of time, they had four beautiful children and were able to purchase their first home together in McCook. Justin and Monica completely gutted the house and rebuilt it with the help of Justin’s dad. We will remember him as a loving, giving, kind, driven and most of the time, patient man. He would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. He loved like no other, if he didn’t like you, you knew it. He always encouraged everyone to be themselves and he took everyone in like family. Justin loved all animals, but his cat dog held a special close place in his heart.

Justin loved to read old westerns and anything military related. He knew his way around his Bible and would debate with anyone about what was written in it. His favorite subjects were anything dealing with history and fitness. He loved to watch football and when he was younger, he and his friends were always playing a football game somewhere around town. He loved to fight MMA and would mess around and tease anyone, even if they didn’t want it. He loved his video games and he often played online with his friends and his dad. He loved the funny TikToks he found.

Justin was baptized as an infant at the United Methodist Church in North Platte and attended several Sunday school classes and youth group at the McCook Evangelical Free Church in McCook. He asked to be baptized again while he was home on leave from Boot Camp and that took place at the McCook E-Free Church. He loved volunteering for the fire department. Justin and his friend, Ricky started a construction business on the side of their full-time jobs where he loved to learn new things about construction work.

The family would like to thank the caregivers, doctors, and staff and Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte for all their care and dedication to helping make Justin’s last days comfortable for him. Thank you also to all of his family and friends for the phone calls, texts, food, flowers, gifts, and support during these difficult times.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the McCook E-Free Church with Pastor Trevor Smith officiating. Burial with full military honors will be held on Monday afternoon, July 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Neb. All are welcome to attend both services for Justin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family of Justin Patras and will be used to place a bench in Kelley Park in McCook where Justin loved to spend time with his children; they can reach the family c/o Barb Patras, 1212 Missouri Avenue, McCook, NE 69001. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.