Mr. Richard Thomas Patton, age 75, of Walkerville, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013. He was born August 14, 1937, in Fort Junction, Wisconsin, to Edward and Retha (Scott) Patton. He served his country in the US Army in Vietnam. He married Betty E. Aiken on September 24, 1983, at home. He was a machinist, employed at Lescoa in Grand Rapids and at Pentwater Wire Products until his retirement in 1984. He was a member of the VFW Post 1329 in Hart. Richard loved being in his man cave garage working on automobiles. He enjoyed dancing and playing billiards in the Walkerville area leagues.

Richard is survived by his wife, Betty E. Patton; two daughters, Carmen Croff of Walkerville, and Bernice Hyman of Podo, Oklahoma; two sons, Michael Croff of Walkerville, and Robert (Angie) Patton of Grant; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Dolores Regolizio, Char Struik and Marguerite Dickenson; and four brothers, Roger, Frank, Jerry, and Rodney Patton. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David Patton in 1997; his step-daughter, Diana Patterson in 1985; and several brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life for Mr. Patton will be held Sunday, April 28, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at VFW Post 1329 in Hart. The family requests that any memorials be directed to the American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.