Donald Lee Patton

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. KarenHe 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-LynneDad 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

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