John W. Patton, born June 3, 1931, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2018, in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 87. John was the son of John M. Patton and Mary (nee: Backes), both deceased. John is survived by Helen (nee: Drudik), his wife of 62 years; children Suzanne (Randy), and Elaine (Don); and loving grandchildren Amy (Todd), Kristal (Gary), Daniel (Megan), and Mandy; great grandchildren Benjamin and Gage; sister Patricia (Jim), sister-in-law Doris, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
John served in the Missouri Air National Guard and the Air Force. He got a job at Sunnen Products Company and worked there for 37 years before retiring in 1992. For many years John went to night school. In 1997 he graduated from Washington University where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda Honorary Society. He was a member of SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) from 1992 through 2004. He was an avid woodworker and loved making things in his workshop. He was a member of the St. Louis Woodworkers Guild and Co-Chairman of the Toy Committee that delivered wooden toys to hospitals and rehab centers. He loved to sing and was a member of St. Peter’s and Our Lady of Providence church choirs. He was often seen with his camera and loved taking pictures. Electronics always interested him and he even built several TV’s from kits with his family. Over the years, he enjoyed participating in sports such as golf, bowling, tennis, and racquetball. John was a Do-It-Yourselfer and a Fixer-Upper, problem solver extraordinaire and always ready to lend a hand. He was a proud St. Louis Zoo Member and loved going there with his family. He was a true Cardinals fan. He will be dearly missed.
Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Thursday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. to Our Lady of Providence Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Sunset Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, 4-8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following are appreciated:
St. Louis Zoo
Our Lady of Providence Church
8866 Pardee Road
Crestwood, MO 63126
Washington University Medical Alumni and Development
Campus Box 1247
7425 Forsyth Boulevard, Suite 2100
St. Louis, MO 63105
(direct to Parkinson’s disease research by Dr. Joel Perlmutter)