Robert M. Patton, age 85, of Grazierville, Tyrone RD 4 died Friday, October 26, 2007 at 11:05 p.m. at the Altoona Regional Health System, Altoona Hospital Campus. He was born September 24, 1922 in Sandy Ridge, the son of James G. and Freda M. Gilson Patton. On February 19, 1946 he was married at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church to Delores Spanelli who survives. Also surviving are two sons – John R. (Kay) of Altoona and Peter J. (Brenda) of Tyrone; six grandchildren – Bobby Patton, Painesville, OH; Jonathan Patton, Altoona; Alisha Patton, Altoona; Kristan Brande (Josh), Syracuse, NY; Kyle Patton and Kayla Patton, both of Tyrone; two great grandchildren, Zachary Patton and Alexa Brande, two sisters, Sara Carpenter, Tyrone and Mary Lou Varner, Lock Haven and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded by two brothers, James and Donald.
He was a graduate of Tyrone High School Class of 1941 and retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier in the Tyrone office in 1977. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II in Italy, participating in campaigns in Naples, Foggia, Rome and Arno. He was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, St. Gregory Council Knights of Columbus, serving as financial secretary, Anderson Denny Post No. 4559 V.F.W., the National Trappers Association, the Tyrone Sportsmen, a life member of the Bald Eagle Fire Company and was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and gardening.
A funeral Mass will be said Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church with Father Joseph T. Orr as celebrant. Interment with flag presentation will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. where a Wake Service will be held at 8:30 p.m.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1004 N. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648.
