Robert E. Patton "Ernie"

PATTON, Robert Ernest, (Ernie) - of Sebring, Florida, formerly of Clio, Michigan, passed away at home at the age of 81 on Monday, October 2, 2023.  Funeral service will be held at 1pm on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Robert Hammitt officiating. Burial in Crestwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday, October 9th, 2023, at 11:30am until the time of service at the funeral home. Contributions may be directed to his grandchildren’s education.  
            
Ernie was born in Pearl, Illinois on September 9, 1942, to parents, George and Emma Patton. He met his soulmate, Glenda K. Batey while at Harding University and they were married on August 17, 1963 in Flint, Michigan. Ernie and Glenda were married for 53 years.  

They had three beautiful children, Robert, Matthew and Danielle and were blessed with five grandchildren and one great grandchild. 

He was a teacher and coach for 37 years, retiring in 2003 from Clio High School. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Ernie loved God, his family and friends. He also enjoyed sports, country and oldies music, little dogs, cooking and the color blue.

Surviving are son Matthew Patton and Jeanette Patton of Tarpon Springs, FL; daughter Danielle Leeseberg and husband Tim of Sebring, FL; daughter-in-law, Kathy Patton of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Tristen (Kyle) Hyde, Matthew Patton, Emily Patton, Robert Leeseberg and Timothy Leeseberg; great-granddaughter, Ellorie Hyde; brothers and sisters-in-law Bill and JoAnn Batey, Bob and Phyllis Hammitt, Sister-in-law Connie Batey; and many cousins and nieces and nephews.  

Ernie was preceded in death by his son, Robert E. Patton Jr.; his wife, Glenda Patton; parents George and Emma Patton; sister Georgia Sparks and brother-in-law, Jimmie D. Batey.