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Family Tree:
Spouse:  Karen Lynn Atkins

Children:  Tara-Lynne Patton Sinicki
Troy Carter Patton

Grandchildren:  Kate Lynn Sinicki
Caroline Elizabeth Sinicki
Jenna Reese Patton
Clay Carter Patton

Parents:  Donald Ermin Patton and Norma Jean Owings

Siblings:  Gary Stephen Patton
David Eugene Patton
Kevin Patton
Scott Howard Patton

Grandparents:  None listed
 
Family Legacies™  
  Cemetery Location    Map to Gravesite

Donald Lee Patton

Birth Date: 7/9/1945
Death Date: 9/23/2003
Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Apostle, Lot 21 D, Grave 3


Don and I share a sense of adventure, laughter and respect for each other. We truly were best friends and confidantes. We had it all. We put family first, loved the out of doors, music, and dancing. Don always said Tara-Lynne was the best teacher. He marveled at her dedication of time and energy to her students. He was so proud to go to her classroom and exchange teaching stories. Don said Tara-Lynne was the best mother anyone could ever ask for and how lucky the girls were to have her. Don marveled every day at Troy's optimism, perseverance and work ethic in building his business on his own. He loved watching Troy in his office and was amazed how much Troy knew about the business world. He knew Troy would be a devoted father. Don was so proud of his children and the wonderful adults they had become. His happiest times were when we were together as a family, taking vacations, celebrating events or just sitting around talking. Karen

He influenced us all so much. He was the balance in our family. Dad listened to others more than he shared his opinion. I am sure my work ethic, positive attitude and many more life shaping attributes are in part due to him. It is the little things about my Dad that I love and will always remember. His fingers were short and well groomed even though he worked outside. They were always pinching cheeks, backsides or squeezing my shoulder. Al signs f love. The girls made him laugh. He was always on the floor rolling around with them, went roller-skating, dressed up for Halloween and watched them play in the ocean. My Dad loved the girls so much that it only made my love for them deepen. My Dad loved to walk down memory lane. He loved to look at pictures and old movies and remember when. The fair held a special place in his heart. The pigs, trophies and time to visit with others were one of the best parts of summer. I will never watch a scary movie (especially Sammy Terry or Young Frankenstein) or a boxing match, eat chocolate almond ice cream, Ding Dongs, or White Castles hamburgers, ride a without thinking of my Dad and how much I love all the little things about him. Tara-Lynne

Dad was the kind of person who really walked the walk. Dad lived his life through his actions. He was a true leader. I will miss my Dad and golf. I always enjoyed our last minute meeting at Cracker Barrel. There will always be an empty chair.Dad was still coaching. He coached me in life, work, golf, everything I did. He always asked if I wrote my goals down for the year. He would ask me if I accomplished my goals or what steps I have taken to reach my goals. I loved getting that hug, physically or verbally when doing things right or wrong. He loved Katie, Caroline, Jenna and Clay. Everything was perfect. I find myself looking out my den window, wanting to see him pull up in his just cleaned truck with the mower on the back. He always had time for me. To my Dad, Best Friend, Coach, and Hero, I love you. Troy

"It doesn't get any better than this"
Don Patton

  Photo Scrapbook
  

Don and his mother were very close. He was a happy baby and little boy.



Don and Karen married in 1966, finished school together, had Tara-Lynne and Troy. They had it all.



Don was a 5-time state wrestling championship coach with many state and national awards including 5-Ball State Alumnus awards, the Tom Carnegie Award, IHSWCA Hall of Fame and 5-Indiana H.S. Championship Coach of the Year Awards.



Don and Tara-Lynne held a special love between father and daughter. Don held enormous pride inTara-Lynne and her accomplishments, her kind soul, and her giving nature.



Don and Troy held the strongest bond between a father and a son. Don was Troy's coach and mentor, partner. They were indeed best friends.



Don loved to play golf and participate in all other sports. He was a competitor in all his activities. He set very high goals for himself regardless of what he was doing. After leaving education, he loved to mow and had his own business.



Don was truly a family man. His favorite times were spent with his children, their spouses (Ron and Kim) and the grandchildren, Katie, Caroline, Jenna and Clay.



Don loved his family and they loved him. Granddad held a special place in all of his grandchildren's hearts. He said many times "It doesn't get any better than this." There isn't a family that was or is closer.



Granddad gets to hold little Clay, his new grandson.



Granddad's story is never ending. The Donald Lee Patton Memorial Scholarship was established to help students become the best person they can possibly be. Most important as long as his children hold his memory, his grandchildren grow to follow in their footsteps; and by example. The genes of his wonderful personality, dedication, love for life and family, his story will go on forever.


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