Courtesy of www.farleyfuneralhome.com
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…..put out my hand and touched the face of God." Better words were never spoken of a man like Colonel David Delano Patton, (USAF Retired). David made his last flight Friday morning, August 14th, from his home in Nokomis, Florida, when he left for the heavens he not only flew among, but for the Heaven he will live in for eternity. His wife of almost 60 years, Carolyn Sue (Suzy) Patton and son David Jr. were at his side. He joined their son, Jeffrey Todd Patton and his parents, Jesse and Leda Patton. He leaves to mourn his absence his son, David D. Patton Jr. of Sarasota, daughter Lori Anne Eidson of Douglasville, Georgia, her husband, Clint Eidson, and beloved grandchildren Rachael Eidson of Atlanta and Christopher Eidson of Singapore. Many relatives and friends will grieve this great loss.
Born on January 19, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was the youngest of five children. David literally fought his way through life playing on three successive state football championship teams at Chattanooga Central High School. David won the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship resulting in an offer of full scholarship to the University of Miami. When faced with the choice between the boxing ring or football field, the financial offer from Western Kentucky State Teachers College (now University] won the toss. Playing defensive and offensive tackle and guard, he journeyed with the Hilltoppers to the Refrigerator Bowl three times, a record. There, Dave performed his most famous 'sacks': twice he took down famed quarterback Johnny Unitas. Each year during Homecoming at both schools, members of those teams stood proudly on the field to be honored.
The top cadet in ROTC, Dave chose the United States Air Force for his career. Described upon retirement as having "distinguished himself by the performance of meritorious service seldom seen or required," he applied that attitude in all his efforts. He flew the fierce F-86 Sabre jet, the most feared fighter plane of its time. He began his assignments in Morocco, then in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas as well as overseas tours in Germany, France, Britain, the Philippines, and South Vietnam. At the birth of his second child, he requested to change to the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Attending Air War College, his outstanding military career included the job of Air Operations Officer at the US Readiness Command, and he retired as Commander for Maintenance at Pope Air Force Base. Who would have imagined the airman nicknamed "Bull", after landing and hitting a cow on the runway early on, and almost washing out early after getting lost over the Gulf waters, would retire a full colonel? Among his many decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was awarded the Vietnam Staff Service Medal 1st Class when he worked with the China Air/CIA during the Vietnam conflict. For over 30 years, he never spoke of his duties there until watching a documentary about Vietnam in 2000 with his wife. She looked at him and asked the question, "Is that what you did?", and he quietly nodded yes.
David's life was not limited to military fame. When a job needed doing, he stepped in. At The Mansion Art Centre, Little Rock, Dave made certain his very talented wife, Suzy, and her sister, Debi, could paint and teach with no threat of financial disaster as he maintained the books for the business. He loved to gamble, whether at the casino or the stock market. A dedicated chartist in the 60's, he knew the market game. His most successful financial ploy failed when he instructed his new bride to simply mail her check register to him in Germany as she waited to join him so he could balance it. When it arrived and she had more money than when he left, he spent a lot of money calling home to find out that she had kept the record: every time she wrote a check, she added it on to the balance. Years later, he was proud to trust his financial book work to his daughter, Lori Anne, who passed her CPA exam the first time.
David left for Vietnam a successful military man with a heart of steel. David returned from Vietnam, changed forever. A game of late-night poker with younger pilots found one requesting him to 'Please wake me up in the morning, Major! I have an early flight!" Dave forgot to do so, and the next morning the young man ran across the flight line shouting, "You forgot! But it's okay!" Five minutes later, upon take off, his plane was shot down, all aboard dead. This lesson found its mark in David.
With all the world had to offer at his feet, his children and wife were his treasure. Often a strict disciplinarian, he was proud of them all. He knew the treasure he had in Suzy when their dentist fixed them up in New Mexico. Within two months they were joined in the adventure of travel, family and life. David spent many hours keeping Suzy out of trouble: at the Brandenburg Gate before the fall of the Iron Curtain as she ran from their bus to get a really good shot of the East Berlin guards, or as she, accomplished artist, was escorted from the kitchen of Monet for taking 'too many pictures".
After 26 years military service, Dave chose to move to Arkansas to help care for Suzy's family. He studied for his real estate license, hunted ducks with his brother-in-law, Richard, and even studied art with his wife. His paintings were exquisite in detail, the pilot's hands working hard. He studied guitar because he liked Lyle Lovett. After moving to Florida for warmer winters and to be near son David, he took up the violin. The man who conquered the skies now challenged music.
Above almost anything, was his love for golf. His dream of joining the Senior Tour faded, but he qualified and played the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. A hole-in-one was accomplished twice by his extraordinary strong swing.
The man, the pilot, the golfer, the artist and musician, all add up to a man of great integrity who will be missed so much by so many. He moved to Atlanta during a difficult time for his son, Jeff, to just be there for him. During this period, one night he went alone to a church close by, and at the end of the sermon, walked the aisle to be baptized, just him and Jesus. The man of steel had a heart of love, and this he shared with us all.
Interment will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a date to be announced. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida handled the arrangements. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…..put out my hand and touched the face of God." Better words were never spoken of a man like Colonel David Delano Patton, (USAF Retired). David made his last flight Friday morning, August 14th, from his home in Nokomis, Florida, when he left for the heavens he not only flew among, but for the Heaven he will live in for eternity. His wife of almost 60 years, Carolyn Sue (Suzy) Patton and son David Jr. were at his side. He joined their son, Jeffrey Todd Patton and his parents, Jesse and Leda Patton. He leaves to mourn his absence his son, David D. Patton Jr. of Sarasota, daughter Lori Anne Eidson of Douglasville, Georgia, her husband, Clint Eidson, and beloved grandchildren Rachael Eidson of Atlanta and Christopher Eidson of Singapore. Many relatives and friends will grieve this great loss.
Born on January 19, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was the youngest of five children. David literally fought his way through life playing on three successive state football championship teams at Chattanooga Central High School. David won the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship resulting in an offer of full scholarship to the University of Miami. When faced with the choice between the boxing ring or football field, the financial offer from Western Kentucky State Teachers College (now University] won the toss. Playing defensive and offensive tackle and guard, he journeyed with the Hilltoppers to the Refrigerator Bowl three times, a record. There, Dave performed his most famous 'sacks': twice he took down famed quarterback Johnny Unitas. Each year during Homecoming at both schools, members of those teams stood proudly on the field to be honored.
The top cadet in ROTC, Dave chose the United States Air Force for his career. Described upon retirement as having "distinguished himself by the performance of meritorious service seldom seen or required," he applied that attitude in all his efforts. He flew the fierce F-86 Sabre jet, the most feared fighter plane of its time. He began his assignments in Morocco, then in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas as well as overseas tours in Germany, France, Britain, the Philippines, and South Vietnam. At the birth of his second child, he requested to change to the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Attending Air War College, his outstanding military career included the job of Air Operations Officer at the US Readiness Command, and he retired as Commander for Maintenance at Pope Air Force Base. Who would have imagined the airman nicknamed "Bull", after landing and hitting a cow on the runway early on, and almost washing out early after getting lost over the Gulf waters, would retire a full colonel? Among his many decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was awarded the Vietnam Staff Service Medal 1st Class when he worked with the China Air/CIA during the Vietnam conflict. For over 30 years, he never spoke of his duties there until watching a documentary about Vietnam in 2000 with his wife. She looked at him and asked the question, "Is that what you did?", and he quietly nodded yes.
David's life was not limited to military fame. When a job needed doing, he stepped in. At The Mansion Art Centre, Little Rock, Dave made certain his very talented wife, Suzy, and her sister, Debi, could paint and teach with no threat of financial disaster as he maintained the books for the business. He loved to gamble, whether at the casino or the stock market. A dedicated chartist in the 60's, he knew the market game. His most successful financial ploy failed when he instructed his new bride to simply mail her check register to him in Germany as she waited to join him so he could balance it. When it arrived and she had more money than when he left, he spent a lot of money calling home to find out that she had kept the record: every time she wrote a check, she added it on to the balance. Years later, he was proud to trust his financial book work to his daughter, Lori Anne, who passed her CPA exam the first time.
David left for Vietnam a successful military man with a heart of steel. David returned from Vietnam, changed forever. A game of late-night poker with younger pilots found one requesting him to 'Please wake me up in the morning, Major! I have an early flight!" Dave forgot to do so, and the next morning the young man ran across the flight line shouting, "You forgot! But it's okay!" Five minutes later, upon take off, his plane was shot down, all aboard dead. This lesson found its mark in David.
With all the world had to offer at his feet, his children and wife were his treasure. Often a strict disciplinarian, he was proud of them all. He knew the treasure he had in Suzy when their dentist fixed them up in New Mexico. Within two months they were joined in the adventure of travel, family and life. David spent many hours keeping Suzy out of trouble: at the Brandenburg Gate before the fall of the Iron Curtain as she ran from their bus to get a really good shot of the East Berlin guards, or as she, accomplished artist, was escorted from the kitchen of Monet for taking 'too many pictures".
After 26 years military service, Dave chose to move to Arkansas to help care for Suzy's family. He studied for his real estate license, hunted ducks with his brother-in-law, Richard, and even studied art with his wife. His paintings were exquisite in detail, the pilot's hands working hard. He studied guitar because he liked Lyle Lovett. After moving to Florida for warmer winters and to be near son David, he took up the violin. The man who conquered the skies now challenged music.
Above almost anything, was his love for golf. His dream of joining the Senior Tour faded, but he qualified and played the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. A hole-in-one was accomplished twice by his extraordinary strong swing.
The man, the pilot, the golfer, the artist and musician, all add up to a man of great integrity who will be missed so much by so many. He moved to Atlanta during a difficult time for his son, Jeff, to just be there for him. During this period, one night he went alone to a church close by, and at the end of the sermon, walked the aisle to be baptized, just him and Jesus. The man of steel had a heart of love, and this he shared with us all.
Interment will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a date to be announced. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida handled the arrangements. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
Courtesy of www.farleyfuneralhome.com
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…..put out my hand and touched the face of God." Better words were never spoken of a man like Colonel David Delano Patton, (USAF Retired). David made his last flight Friday morning, August 14th, from his home in Nokomis, Florida, when he left for the heavens he not only flew among, but for the Heaven he will live in for eternity. His wife of almost 60 years, Carolyn Sue (Suzy) Patton and son David Jr. were at his side. He joined their son, Jeffrey Todd Patton and his parents, Jesse and Leda Patton. He leaves to mourn his absence his son, David D. Patton Jr. of Sarasota, daughter Lori Anne Eidson of Douglasville, Georgia, her husband, Clint Eidson, and beloved grandchildren Rachael Eidson of Atlanta and Christopher Eidson of Singapore. Many relatives and friends will grieve this great loss.
Born on January 19, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was the youngest of five children. David literally fought his way through life playing on three successive state football championship teams at Chattanooga Central High School. David won the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship resulting in an offer of full scholarship to the University of Miami. When faced with the choice between the boxing ring or football field, the financial offer from Western Kentucky State Teachers College (now University] won the toss. Playing defensive and offensive tackle and guard, he journeyed with the Hilltoppers to the Refrigerator Bowl three times, a record. There, Dave performed his most famous 'sacks': twice he took down famed quarterback Johnny Unitas. Each year during Homecoming at both schools, members of those teams stood proudly on the field to be honored.
The top cadet in ROTC, Dave chose the United States Air Force for his career. Described upon retirement as having "distinguished himself by the performance of meritorious service seldom seen or required," he applied that attitude in all his efforts. He flew the fierce F-86 Sabre jet, the most feared fighter plane of its time. He began his assignments in Morocco, then in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas as well as overseas tours in Germany, France, Britain, the Philippines, and South Vietnam. At the birth of his second child, he requested to change to the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Attending Air War College, his outstanding military career included the job of Air Operations Officer at the US Readiness Command, and he retired as Commander for Maintenance at Pope Air Force Base. Who would have imagined the airman nicknamed "Bull", after landing and hitting a cow on the runway early on, and almost washing out early after getting lost over the Gulf waters, would retire a full colonel? Among his many decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was awarded the Vietnam Staff Service Medal 1st Class when he worked with the China Air/CIA during the Vietnam conflict. For over 30 years, he never spoke of his duties there until watching a documentary about Vietnam in 2000 with his wife. She looked at him and asked the question, "Is that what you did?", and he quietly nodded yes.
David's life was not limited to military fame. When a job needed doing, he stepped in. At The Mansion Art Centre, Little Rock, Dave made certain his very talented wife, Suzy, and her sister, Debi, could paint and teach with no threat of financial disaster as he maintained the books for the business. He loved to gamble, whether at the casino or the stock market. A dedicated chartist in the 60's, he knew the market game. His most successful financial ploy failed when he instructed his new bride to simply mail her check register to him in Germany as she waited to join him so he could balance it. When it arrived and she had more money than when he left, he spent a lot of money calling home to find out that she had kept the record: every time she wrote a check, she added it on to the balance. Years later, he was proud to trust his financial book work to his daughter, Lori Anne, who passed her CPA exam the first time.
David left for Vietnam a successful military man with a heart of steel. David returned from Vietnam, changed forever. A game of late-night poker with younger pilots found one requesting him to 'Please wake me up in the morning, Major! I have an early flight!" Dave forgot to do so, and the next morning the young man ran across the flight line shouting, "You forgot! But it's okay!" Five minutes later, upon take off, his plane was shot down, all aboard dead. This lesson found its mark in David.
With all the world had to offer at his feet, his children and wife were his treasure. Often a strict disciplinarian, he was proud of them all. He knew the treasure he had in Suzy when their dentist fixed them up in New Mexico. Within two months they were joined in the adventure of travel, family and life. David spent many hours keeping Suzy out of trouble: at the Brandenburg Gate before the fall of the Iron Curtain as she ran from their bus to get a really good shot of the East Berlin guards, or as she, accomplished artist, was escorted from the kitchen of Monet for taking 'too many pictures".
After 26 years military service, Dave chose to move to Arkansas to help care for Suzy's family. He studied for his real estate license, hunted ducks with his brother-in-law, Richard, and even studied art with his wife. His paintings were exquisite in detail, the pilot's hands working hard. He studied guitar because he liked Lyle Lovett. After moving to Florida for warmer winters and to be near son David, he took up the violin. The man who conquered the skies now challenged music.
Above almost anything, was his love for golf. His dream of joining the Senior Tour faded, but he qualified and played the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. A hole-in-one was accomplished twice by his extraordinary strong swing.
The man, the pilot, the golfer, the artist and musician, all add up to a man of great integrity who will be missed so much by so many. He moved to Atlanta during a difficult time for his son, Jeff, to just be there for him. During this period, one night he went alone to a church close by, and at the end of the sermon, walked the aisle to be baptized, just him and Jesus. The man of steel had a heart of love, and this he shared with us all.
Interment will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a date to be announced. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida handled the arrangements. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings…..put out my hand and touched the face of God." Better words were never spoken of a man like Colonel David Delano Patton, (USAF Retired). David made his last flight Friday morning, August 14th, from his home in Nokomis, Florida, when he left for the heavens he not only flew among, but for the Heaven he will live in for eternity. His wife of almost 60 years, Carolyn Sue (Suzy) Patton and son David Jr. were at his side. He joined their son, Jeffrey Todd Patton and his parents, Jesse and Leda Patton. He leaves to mourn his absence his son, David D. Patton Jr. of Sarasota, daughter Lori Anne Eidson of Douglasville, Georgia, her husband, Clint Eidson, and beloved grandchildren Rachael Eidson of Atlanta and Christopher Eidson of Singapore. Many relatives and friends will grieve this great loss.
Born on January 19, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, he was the youngest of five children. David literally fought his way through life playing on three successive state football championship teams at Chattanooga Central High School. David won the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship resulting in an offer of full scholarship to the University of Miami. When faced with the choice between the boxing ring or football field, the financial offer from Western Kentucky State Teachers College (now University] won the toss. Playing defensive and offensive tackle and guard, he journeyed with the Hilltoppers to the Refrigerator Bowl three times, a record. There, Dave performed his most famous 'sacks': twice he took down famed quarterback Johnny Unitas. Each year during Homecoming at both schools, members of those teams stood proudly on the field to be honored.
The top cadet in ROTC, Dave chose the United States Air Force for his career. Described upon retirement as having "distinguished himself by the performance of meritorious service seldom seen or required," he applied that attitude in all his efforts. He flew the fierce F-86 Sabre jet, the most feared fighter plane of its time. He began his assignments in Morocco, then in Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas as well as overseas tours in Germany, France, Britain, the Philippines, and South Vietnam. At the birth of his second child, he requested to change to the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Attending Air War College, his outstanding military career included the job of Air Operations Officer at the US Readiness Command, and he retired as Commander for Maintenance at Pope Air Force Base. Who would have imagined the airman nicknamed "Bull", after landing and hitting a cow on the runway early on, and almost washing out early after getting lost over the Gulf waters, would retire a full colonel? Among his many decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit. He was awarded the Vietnam Staff Service Medal 1st Class when he worked with the China Air/CIA during the Vietnam conflict. For over 30 years, he never spoke of his duties there until watching a documentary about Vietnam in 2000 with his wife. She looked at him and asked the question, "Is that what you did?", and he quietly nodded yes.
David's life was not limited to military fame. When a job needed doing, he stepped in. At The Mansion Art Centre, Little Rock, Dave made certain his very talented wife, Suzy, and her sister, Debi, could paint and teach with no threat of financial disaster as he maintained the books for the business. He loved to gamble, whether at the casino or the stock market. A dedicated chartist in the 60's, he knew the market game. His most successful financial ploy failed when he instructed his new bride to simply mail her check register to him in Germany as she waited to join him so he could balance it. When it arrived and she had more money than when he left, he spent a lot of money calling home to find out that she had kept the record: every time she wrote a check, she added it on to the balance. Years later, he was proud to trust his financial book work to his daughter, Lori Anne, who passed her CPA exam the first time.
David left for Vietnam a successful military man with a heart of steel. David returned from Vietnam, changed forever. A game of late-night poker with younger pilots found one requesting him to 'Please wake me up in the morning, Major! I have an early flight!" Dave forgot to do so, and the next morning the young man ran across the flight line shouting, "You forgot! But it's okay!" Five minutes later, upon take off, his plane was shot down, all aboard dead. This lesson found its mark in David.
With all the world had to offer at his feet, his children and wife were his treasure. Often a strict disciplinarian, he was proud of them all. He knew the treasure he had in Suzy when their dentist fixed them up in New Mexico. Within two months they were joined in the adventure of travel, family and life. David spent many hours keeping Suzy out of trouble: at the Brandenburg Gate before the fall of the Iron Curtain as she ran from their bus to get a really good shot of the East Berlin guards, or as she, accomplished artist, was escorted from the kitchen of Monet for taking 'too many pictures".
After 26 years military service, Dave chose to move to Arkansas to help care for Suzy's family. He studied for his real estate license, hunted ducks with his brother-in-law, Richard, and even studied art with his wife. His paintings were exquisite in detail, the pilot's hands working hard. He studied guitar because he liked Lyle Lovett. After moving to Florida for warmer winters and to be near son David, he took up the violin. The man who conquered the skies now challenged music.
Above almost anything, was his love for golf. His dream of joining the Senior Tour faded, but he qualified and played the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. A hole-in-one was accomplished twice by his extraordinary strong swing.
The man, the pilot, the golfer, the artist and musician, all add up to a man of great integrity who will be missed so much by so many. He moved to Atlanta during a difficult time for his son, Jeff, to just be there for him. During this period, one night he went alone to a church close by, and at the end of the sermon, walked the aisle to be baptized, just him and Jesus. The man of steel had a heart of love, and this he shared with us all.
Interment will be at the Chattanooga National Cemetery at a date to be announced. Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida handled the arrangements. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
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