T Paul Patton

The Rev. T. Paul Patton, 86, a well-known and much-loved minister in the Cleveland area, went to his heavenly home Wednesday morning, April 15, 2008, in a local hospital. He was a dedicated Christian, faithful husband and loving father. He will be missed greatly by his family and many friends. Rev. Patton spent two years as a member of the United States Navy during World War II. He served aboard the U.S.S. Bennett in the Pacific and fought at Okinawa. He became a minister in the Church of God in 1953 and served 41 years in full-time ministry. He spent 39 years as a pastor in the South and Midwest, including churches in Jasper, TN.; Decatur, Ill.; Memphis, TN.; Dunlap, TN.; Lancaster, Ohio; Lexington, Ky.; Cleveland, TN.; and Chattanooga, TN. After his pastoral ministry, he served two years as chaplain for the Church of God Theological Seminary. In recent years he has been involved in care and grief ministries. Rev. Patton was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Leda Belle Patton, and his brother, Kenneth. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Candis Odelle Patton, his loving daughters, Candis and Paula, all of Cleveland; his sister and brother-in-law Mary Helen and Frank Blackwell of Live Oak, Fla.; brothers and sisters-in-law Jimmy and Glenda Patten of Rock Springs, Ga., and David and Susie Patton of Longboat Key, Fla., and brother-in-law Theodore King. Other survivors include many special nieces and nephews and their spouses. His celebration of life will be conducted Friday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at Westmore Church of God with the Rev. Steve Gilbert, Dr. David Bishop, the Rev. Kelvin Page and the Rev. Wendell Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with military honors. A white dove release will conclude the ceremony. His family will receive friends from noon till 2 p.m. at the church prior to the service. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Patton family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com. Ralph Buckner Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements