Melvin D. Patton's Obituary
Melvin D. Patton, 67, of Columbia, IL, passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2009. He was born in Belleville, IL, the son of Edgar and Jonelia (Becherer) Patton. Mel starred in two sports, basketball and baseball at BTHS, played collegiately one year at S.I.U. - Carbondale, then signed with the St.Louis Cardinals in 1962. He obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration at S.I.U. - Carbondale, then gained a law degree from St. Louis University. He had teaching stints at Wirth Junior High in Cahokia, and at Collinsville High School which led to a position as director of business services at Florissant Valley Community College. From 1985 to 1998, Patton was VP of Business and Finance at Fontbonne College in St. Louis, MO, and then became director of the Sunset Hills (MO.) Campus of Vatterott College. Patton was not only a two time batting champion in the Mon-Clair League (.489 in 1969 and .359 in 1971), he also led championship teams at Valmeyer and became a charter member of the Mon-Clair Hall of Fame. He has served as the public address announcer during the annual Valmeyer 4th of July Classic. He is also a member of the Greater St. Louis amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He dearly loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his friends. He was married toCandace (Wilson) Patton. They were married on August 15, 1970.
VisitationThursday, August 20, 2009 4:00 pm - 8:00 pmLawlor Funeral Home
ServicesFriday, August 21, 2009, 10:00 AMLawlor Funeral HomeColumbia, Illinois
IntermentEvangelical St. Paul CemeteryColumbia, Illinois
Memorial ContributionsThe Mel Patton Family
SurvivorsWife, Candace I. (Wilson) Patton of Columbia, ILDaughter, Kim (Tedd) Bacott of Columbia, ILSons, Deron Patton of Columbia, IL, and J.D. (Tara) Patton of Millstadt, ILGrandchildren, Ryan, Caitlin, Ashley, J.T., Emma, Brittni, Kaitlyn, Kadence, Beau, and Berlyn Brother, Larry (Diane) Patton of Belleville, ILSister, Lynn Brower of Columbia, ILOther relatives and friends
Preceded In Death ByFather, Edgar Patton, Mother, Jonelia (Becherer) Patton
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