Obituary for Dennis "Dee" Patrick Altenburger
Dennis Patrick Altenburger began his adventure on July 21, 1944 in Houston, Texas born to Herman and Imogene Altenburger. He was better known as D. Patrick or just Dee to most. He was a man of many talents, loved by all who knew him, and more full of joy then most humans ever experience. At a young age, D. Patrick realized he was woven together with music in his cellular structure. He had a God given gift to hear and learn a tune from the inside out. Drawn to the music scene, he would begin absorbing many different, and sometimes taboo, genres of that day. Colorblind and lead by a tune, he developed his own unique and soulful musical abilities that would lead him to play with greats like “Sam the Sham” (his closest friend), Jerry Lee Lewis, Freddy Fender, Snooky from Janis Joplin's gang, and local bands Sonny Boy Holden and the World Wonders, Andy King and The Knight Riders, Whiskey River Band and so many more that we cannot list them. Even more than playing with people, he played his own music…and it was AWESOME! He is known for being one of the best bass players of East Texas and Louisiana that has ever existed. There eventually came a time in D. Patrick’s life that he was at a crossroads. He could continue this musical pursuit as his priority or shift gears and follow the same love he sang about when his heart was captured by a beautiful strong-willed young woman, Connie M. Dowden. With a resounding devotion, he dove in headfirst to following his heart which now belonged to his wife Connie and her four children, Pete, Diana, Michael, and Angela. Their life would soon be complete with the addition of his precious Dennise and Patrick. Now his musical story didn’t stop here, he continued to add to a collection of experiences, to even include playing in Greenland! He made it all work together as this small baseball team of a family would fight through life with so many stories of overcoming adversity that we can’t even begin to scratch the surface. The most important parts we will speak of today are the dedication, hard work, absolute love, selflessness D. Patrick brought to this family. Whether he had to throw roots for a new road for money or work multiple jobs, he would find a way to provide and care for his family. He eventually found another God gifted skill in working with the telephone system. Climbing poles, chasing wire, and “solving the puzzle” as he would say would be a passion, he would continue for twenty plus years. Eventually, he would have to continue to provide an irreplicable support system for all 21 grandchildren he would acquire, becoming the most amazing Papaw to ever walk the face the Earth. Seriously, he had 21 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren who adored him. There are few men that can carry the title of husband, Dad, and Papaw as powerfully has he. Personally, his family will agree, that he is the only one to be exact. As all good things must, his time on earth came to an end on July 4th, 2022. At 9:15pm, we were temporarily separated from our joyful Dad/ Papaw. He made it very clear that he would be waiting for us with Jesus, that we should be happy, and to never forget how “God has always blessed us”. We will miss the stories, the encouragement, the late-night calls, the music…the JOY, but we will always honor and cherish the blessing it was to know and love one of the greatest men to walk this side of heaven. He is ours, we are his, and family is everything. While with us in his short 77 years, one statement was resounding and repeated often, “I had fun, I always had fun.”
Funeral services for Mr. Altenburger will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at East Leesville Baptist Church with Reverend Wesley Manning officiating. Burial will follow in Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Patrick Altenburger, Michael Godwin, Rick Bigham, John Bergman, Ryan Bigham, Michael Bigham. Jason Nolf, and Dave Vasquez. Honorary pallbearer will be Cody Jett. A visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, July 7th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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Funeral services for Mr. Altenburger will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022, at East Leesville Baptist Church with Reverend Wesley Manning officiating. Burial will follow in Castor Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Patrick Altenburger, Michael Godwin, Rick Bigham, John Bergman, Ryan Bigham, Michael Bigham. Jason Nolf, and Dave Vasquez. Honorary pallbearer will be Cody Jett. A visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, July 7th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Thursday
7
Jul
4:00 PM
- 6:00 PM
East Leesville Baptist Church
266 Alexandria Highway
Leesville, LA 71446
Funeral
Friday
8
Jul
10:00 AM
East Leesville Baptist Church
266 Alexandria Highway
Leesville, LA 71446
Cemetery Details
Location
Castor Cemetery
2057 Slagle Road
Leesville, LA 71446
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