Donald Joe Patton

In loving memory of Donald Joe Patton. He died peacefully at home on December 13, 2014 at the age of 89. He was born in McNary, Arizona on July 17, 1925 to his parents, the late Daniel and Margaret M. (Butler) Wood. Donald is survived by Edna May, his loving wife of 66 years; his daughter, Sharon Woods and her husband, Henry Woods; his daughter, Janice Moen and her husband Keith Moen; his son, Kenneth Patton; his daughter, Wanda Patton; his 17 grandchildren; his 28 great-grandchildren and his 6 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Maudie Treadway. Donald served his country from 1943 to 1946 in the U.S. Navy as part of the WWII Underwater Demolition Team, an elite special purpose force. His team participated in the Okinawa and Iwo Jima Battles. Following his honorable discharge, Donald worked 13 years as a mechanic for the potash mines in Carlsbad, New Mexico. From there he spent three years as a welder in the San Francisco Naval Shipyard. He settled in the Holbrook area in 1971 to operate his own business, Patton & Sons, located at the south end of the Petrified Forest. Donald was member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk for 66 years and held various officer positions including, Exalted Ruler in 1986 - 1987 and, also served in various Arizona state offices. Donald was a pilot and volunteered for the New Mexico Search & Rescue while residing in New Mexico. He was also an avid motorcyclist and made many friends on local biker events. On Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 1:00 P.M., The American Legion will perform graveside services with military honors at the Holbrook Cemetery. Later, at 2:00 P.M. his family and friends will celebrate his life at a special memorial service that will be held at the Holbrook Elks Lodge, 714 Elkdom Avenue, Holbrook, Arizona 86025. Memorial contributions, in his name, to the Holbrook Elks Lodge have been suggested by his family.