John Stanley Patton
John Stanley Patton, 74 of Parkman Township, passed away Monday, April 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving daughters.
He was born on Aug. 6, 1949, and grew up in Chagrin Falls, the son of John Richard Patton and Betty Rauch Patton.
During his school years, he worked through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America and became an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Chagrin Falls High School, he attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education.
Once he graduated college he started working with his father in the family company, Patton Pest Control. John also joined the Army Reserves, and it was the Army that sent him to Williamsburg, Va., where he met his future bride, Patricia Hudgins Patton. He grew to love Williamsburg and kept taking extra trips ‘to enjoy the scenery and history.’
John and Pattie married on July 5, 1975, in Williamsburg and were married for 45 years until her passing on March 15, 2021. They lived in Parkman, where they had three daughters, Jennifer (Patton) Ker, Molly (Patton) Marsh and Mary Patton. They also had numerous dogs and cats along the way.
John enjoyed working in the family business with his father and did so until his father’s passing in 1985, and then became president of the company. During his tenure at Patton Pest Control, he was president of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), president of the Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA) and president of the Associated Pest Services (APS). He chaired the National Pest Management Association’s Insect Control Committee for two years and the Project Development Committee (the technical arm of the NPMA).
He was also a member of Pi Chi Omega, which is the fraternal organization dedicated to furthering the science of pest management. He has also been a member of many other local organizations in the community, including the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, Kiwanis and the Rotary.
John loved God and his church. He was a proud member of the Nelson United Methodist Church. He also attended the United Methodist Church in Middlefield for many years. He loved to serve his community and to help others when in need. He was incredibly compassionate and giving.
Whenever in conversation with John, you learned something. He could wax eloquently on honestly anything, but life, history, geology, science fiction, insects and religion were among of his favorite wanderings. He seemed to know everything. He was an avid reader and audible listener and always had a new book ready to go. He was a remarkable individual and touched the lives of many who knew him. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
He was a great father and husband and planned the best vacations. There was never a dull moment on family trips. Memories were created all over the map with some of the favorites to numerous national parks, swimming in the bioluminescent bay, Cape Hatteras, Y2K New Orleans, the ‘Great Out West’ Trip, spelunking and the presidential trial as he called it.
We have many memories and are so grateful for the time we have had with you and mom over the years.
John is survived by his loving daughters, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Ker, of Brentwood, Tenn., Molly (Michael) Marsh, of Auburn Township, and Mary Patton, of Parkman; his five grandchildren, Reagan, Colin and Hudson Ker, and Michael and Matthew Marsh; his brother-in-law, H. Douglas Jahn; nephews, Scott (AnnaLe) Jahn and Benjamin (Jessica) Jahn; several great-nieces and great-nephews; many beloved cousins; and his grand animals.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 45 years, Patricia Hudgins Patton; and his sister, Cynthia Patton Jahn.
Calling hours will be held at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield, on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 12 noon until the Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Overlook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nelson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 210, Garrettsville, OH 44231.
