Gene Patton

Mass of the Christian burial for Gene D. Patton will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 4, 2010 at St. Matthews Catholic Church in Gillette, Wyoming with Father Tim Martinson as celebrant. Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 6, 2010 at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota with full military honors. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 3, 2010 at Walker Funeral Home with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 p.m. Gene Patton, age 63, passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Close to Home Hospice Hospitality House in Gillette, WY after a lengthy battle with cancer. Gene D. Patton was born January 19, 1947 in Gregory, South Dakota the son of Duane and Vera (Niemann) Patton. Gene received his education in Colome, SD graduating from Colome High School in 1965. He attended the University of South Dakota-Springfield before entering the United States Army in 1969. He served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal as well as the Bronze Starmedal. Following his honorable discharge in 1971, he continued his education, graduating from the University of South Dakota-Springfield with a BS Degree in Elementary Education in 1973. He taught country school in Winner, South Dakota and elementary school in Platte, SD. He moved to Gillette, WY in 1979 where he was employed at Montgomery Ward, Transamerica Financial Service, Wackenhut Security and the United States Postal Service. He was united in marriage to Patricia Heim on December 28, 1981 in Pierre, South Dakota. They made their home in Gillette and raised their daughter, Heather He was a member of St. Matthews Catholic Parish, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Association of Letter Carriers and a past member of the Gillette Jaycees. Gene enjoyed participating in all sports as well as coaching for the Campbell County Recreation Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and watching wildlife. Gene enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Gene is survived by his wife Patricia of Gillette, WY; daughter, Heather Patton of Cheyenne, WY; mother, Vera Patton of Colome, SD; sisters, Frances Kaiser of Lake Lillian, MN; Peggy Patton of Colome, SD; Nancy Reuter of Rapid City, SD; June Lester of Rapid City, SD; Patty McCrellias of Colome, SD; Marty Patton of Phoenix, AZ; Gail Larsen of Colome, SD; and Tammy Anderson of Casper, WY; brothers, Ted Patton of Colome, SD; Richard Patton of Walker, MO; and Alan Patton of Rapid City, SD; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. A memorial has been established in Genes name. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Genes name to Walker Funeral Home, 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the internet at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com