CARIBOU – Stephen Eugene Patton died March 18, 2009, at Cary Medical Center, after a brief illness. He was born Aug. 8, 1914, in Valier, Ill., the son of Hosea and Ida O. Patton. During World War II, he was stationed at Presque Isle Air Force Base as a chief warrant officer when he met and married his wife of 50 years, Eleanor Powers Gagne. After his discharge from the service, “Pat” worked full-time in Caribou as a bookkeeper. He wanted to take care of his wife when she became ill, so he decided to retire when he was “only 79.” She predeceased him in 1994. At this time, he was given a computer with a few instructions. He took off from there, thoroughly enjoying it for the rest of his life. He had wonderful memories of his childhood on the farm in Illinois, which inspired his knack and lifelong love for gardening. However, his true passion was fishing and Pat spent hours fishing the brooks or wading in the river. He was well known in the area as an expert fly-fisherman. Of course, as a true fisherman, he had stories to tell and his incredible sense of humor and wit lasted until the end. He will be deeply missed by his four children, Peg Winston, Sherrie Davidson, Steve Patton II, all of Caribou and Bruce Patton of Trenton, Ill. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Surviving brothers and sisters include Mrs. Reva Reed of Houston, Mrs. Genevieve Cook of Griffin, Ga., John Patton of St. Augustine, Fla., and Harold L. Patton of Christopher, Ill. He was predeceased by W. Edgar Patton of Valier, Ill. At his request, there will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held in the spring. Arrangements in care of Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou. Friends may express their condolences to the family at www.lancastermorgan.com.
STEPHEN EUGENE PATTON
