Russell L. Patton

Russell Lee Patton, 70, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2013.

In loving memory of my husband, Russ, I would like to share a few thoughts about his life and who he was with family, friends, and all who knew him.

Russ was born in Alden, Michigan, son of Ervin and Donna (Dewey) Patton. He has two surviving sisters, Norma and Sharon, six children, Rick, Shelly, Brad, Terry, Randy, and Shannon, seven grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He grew up in Alden, graduated high school from Mancelona, and shortly after started his long career as a concrete-mixer driver, which he retired from after thirty plus years. After retiring he enjoyed working part-time delivering auto parts locally.

There was never to be a mechanic, plumber, electrician, or builder in our home. He, always to my amazement and admiration, knew how to do it all! He always had a project in progress or in the planning, or was trying to lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors to help them with theirs. One of his favorite past times was finding discarded treasures at the local refuse-recycling center, everything from lawn mowers, tools, yard ornaments, literally anything, work on them for hours, and find a good use for them once again.

Thank you, dear man, for taking such good care of me, our beloved animals, and our beautiful home. I hope you knew how much you were loved and appreciated by me, family, and many dear friends. Your physical suffering is over now - may you finally rest in peace.

A memorial for family and friends will be planned in the future. Any donations in memory of Russ can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org