Shephard Hamner "Sonny" Patton Sr.
Shephard Hamner "Sonny" Patton Sr.
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Shephard Patton Obituary
Mr. Patton born in Meridian on April 18, 1940, was the son of the late Florence Dale Hamner Patton and Luther Raleigh Patton. He graduated from Gulfport High School and was a Methodist attending Burton, Lyman and Nugent United Methodist Churches.
Mr. Patton retired as a Sergeant Major after serving for over twenty-four years in the Army and was Master Parachutist, Ranger and Special Forces qualified. During his career, Sergeant Major Patton ran numerous Top Secret missions into Laos and Cambodia as a One-Zero team leader in MACSOG during the Vietnam conflict. Although he was never wounded during his time there, his death can be directly attributed to the illnesses that he like so many veterans suffered with after serving his country.
He is survived by a large, loving family consisting of his wife of thirty-one years, Cynthia (Cindy) Keefer Patton; sons, Shane Tyler Patton and his wife Crystal of Hattiesburg, Shephard Hamner Patton, Jr. and his wife Melinda of Vaiden, and Andy R. Patton and his wife Sandy of Hill City, KS; daughter, Susan Patton Shannon and her husband Jeff of Mesa, AZ; grandchildren, Joyce Nicole Patton Simmons of Saucier, Shephard Hamner Patton, III and his wife Jamie of Houston, Andy Ray Patton, II of Lizana, and Nickolaus Lee Shannon and Matthew Scott Shannon of Mesa. He also leaves his brothers, Luther R. "Ronnie" Patton, II and his wife Janet and Hunter Lowery Patton and his wife Jan, all of Gulfport; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 17, 2010, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport.
There will be a private graveside service for family with full military honors held at Finley Cemetery in Lyman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shephard H. and Cynthia K. Patton ROTC Scholarship Endowment at the University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Dr, PO Box 10026, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.
The family would like to express their thanks to the caring staff of Odessey Hospice.
An online obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.riemannfamily.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeff Shannon
June 10, 2024
Shephard we miss you but your strength and memories live on!
Debra Ramage
June 10, 2024
Remembering Shephard Patton, my dear brother-in-law, on the upcoming anniversary of his passing fourteen years ago. You are still missed and remembered, Shep. Rest with God.
Deb Ramage
June 18, 2010
Until we meet again, Shep, "Sgt. Patton" from ROTC GSU, who loved and married my little sister. You were a great role model to so many young people, a constant and loving husband, a great father to your kids, a man of incredible courage and my dear brother-in-law. I will miss you in this world, but I know Jesus welcomes you in the next.
The Staff of Riemann Family Funeral Homes
June 18, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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Robert Moreau
June 17, 2010
You were a pleasure to know and a Special Forces brother who will be missed by all those who knew you.
I will miss the occassional chats we had over the years.
For the members of Chapter XXX Special Forces Association.
Henry Cook
June 17, 2010
You were a man among men. A true warrior. A one-zero and a true leader. When you arrive at the Hall of Vahalla, I am certain that Odin will be there to welcome you. Save me a place at the table so that we may once again enjoy a beverage among our kind.
De Oppresso Liber.
Jeff Shannon
June 16, 2010
You were always the one I could turn to for advice whether it be serious in nature or simply questioning how good the Braves were going to be in the upcoming season. Shephard, you will always be the rock - your wisdom and compassion will always live on.
Nick Shannon
June 16, 2010
Grandpa,
I love you and miss you so much! You were an amazing person and were always a hero in my eyes. I was extremely fortunate to have an awesome grandfather like you!
Me and daddy at Point Cadet after Katrina
Susan Patton-Shannon
June 16, 2010
I miss you daddy.
Love your baby girl.
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11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
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