Ronald G. Patton

Ronald G. Patton, age 90 of Griggsville, IL passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL. Ronald was born April 27, 1934, in Mt. Vernon, IL to Paul and Pauline Fuller Patton. He married Linda Birch August 6, 1980, in Winter Haven, FL and she survives.

Ronald started his working career at the age of 14. He became a baker for several years before entering into the United States Army in March 1953, as a paratrooper stationed in Japan. He was honorably discharged in April 1961. After his stint in the Army, Ronald returned to work as a baker at his family’s bakery, and he was known for his delicious homemade danish. Ronald later went to work at Harold Fussell Chrysler Plymouth dealership in Lakeland, FL as a paint and body work mechanic. He then worked at Piper Aircraft painting airplanes and then worked at several other dealerships including Chemical Tank Lines painting semi-tractors. He was known to the paint and body work world as an excellent painter and continued to paint cars, aircraft and semis at various locations, retiring in the late ‘90s. Besides being a mechanic, he was a craftsman, loving woodworking and was a self-taught electrician. Ronald was a jack of all trades, not afraid to tackle a project in a time when there was no Google, even trying his hand at commercial shark fishing. Ronald and Linda loved to travel, once traveling from Florida to Alaska in their 5th wheel. They traveled many other places over the years, but their favorite place was Texas to see Kathy, Chris and the grandchildren all who brought much love and joy into their lives. Throughout his life Ronald continued to bake and shared his goods with family, friends, and neighbors. He was a dedicated community servant who spent countless hours helping at the Methodist Church preparing ham loaves for the ladies’ fundraiser; and was very active in the Skinner House fundraiser making hundreds of apple dumplings during the Apple Festival.

Ronald was a member of the Griggsville United Methodist Church and was a past Trustee. He enjoyed participating in construction Mission Trips and was able to go to Belize, Ecuador, and Holly Hill, SC to name a few. He was a Lifetime member of the Winter Haven, FL Masonic Lodge #186 A.F. & A.M. and after moving to Griggsville, he became a member of Griggsville Masonic Lodge #45. Ronald was a kind, loving man who was always giving of his time, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Linda Patton; daughter, Kathryn (Chris) Bailey; grandchildren, William Bailey, Benjamin Bailey, Katherine Bailey, and Abigail Bailey; four children by a previous marriage, Ronald David Patton, Sean Patton, Casey Patton, and Carrie Sue Jordan; and several grandchildren; brothers, Paul Duane Patton, Larry (Maddona) Patton, Jeff (Marsha) Patton; sisters, Mary Shelton, Kay Lachappell, Carol Patton, and Susan Patton; brother-in-law Ed Hutson; sister-in-law, Lucia Rottenberg and niece, Emily Rottenberg; brother-in-law, Steven (Carol) Birch and niece, Amy Birch; and numerous other nieces and nephews also survive.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Patton and Pauline Patton; in-laws, Maynard and Kathryn Birch; sister, Joycelyn (Ed) Hutson; and brothers-in-law, Ed Shelton, Bob La Chappell, and Russell Rottenberg.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Griggsville United Methodist Church with visitation held from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the church. Masonic Service will take place at 1:45 PM (prior to the service) conducted by Griggsville Masonic Lodge #45. Memorials are suggested to be made to Griggsville Cemetery or Griggsville United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald G. Patton, please visit our floral store.