Tom Paton

Tom Paton, 78, passed away on March 23, 2014, a profound loss for his family and countless friends. A memorial service was held in Kingsport, Tenn., at First Broad Street Methodist Church, where he was an active member. A celebration of his life was held in Pine, Co. His ashes were scattered in the river, as Amazing Grace was played on the bagpipe.

Thomas Paton (IV) was born November 1, 1935, in Erie, Pa. He was the first generation of the Paton family to be born in the United States. He grew up in the Methodist church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Paton, a Scotsman, and Clara (Pennock) Paton, a Canadian.

Tom was an only child and he was the first Paton to graduate from high school and college. He was a 1953 graduate of Academy High School, and a 1960 graduate of Gannon College. He was a member and officer of the TKE fraternity, was an officer of his class, and was named in the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After college, he moved to Detroit, Mich., to begin his sales career with BF Goodrich. He married Marcia VanOosten in 1962. They had two children, Thomas and Heather. The family relocated to the Kansas City suburbs in 1969. He worked in industrial sales with Aeroquip and Rust-Oleum Corporations. He was an active family man and loved spending weekends at the family lake house. Tom and Marcia were married 17 years, remaining lifelong friends.

In 1979, Tom moved to Pine, Colo., with his children. Making a major career change, he became the proud owner of the Bucksnort Saloon in 1982. Under Tom's tenure, the Bucksnort Saloon became a popular destination for locals and tourists. Numerous articles in newspapers, magazines, and books featured him and his establishment. His favorite feathers in his cap included recognition as Best Mountain Bar, and Best Burger in the annual Denver feature.

In 1983, he married Gwen Herberg. He sold the Bucksnort Saloon in 1995; he then entered into business with his wife as owners of two bed-and-breakfast establishments in Michigan and Virginia. They retired to Tennessee in 2007.

Tom loved Erie. He shared stories of wonderful friendships and treasured memories. He especially loved the Lake and times racing hydroplanes in his youth. He returned "home" as frequently as possible, and helped to organize high school and college reunions over the years. He was honored to be the Master of Ceremonies at the Gannon (Class of 1960) 50th Reunion.

Tom was an extraordinary man. He loved unconditionally and was dearly loved. He exuded warmth and friendliness. He had a great sense of humor, and people just wanted to be around him. He valued the friendships he made everywhere he went, and took time to maintain those relationships. He was a man of great integrity, a man of his word, and a man of God.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gwen Paton; his children, Thomas G. Paton and Heather Paton Carpenter of Overland Park, Kan. We could not be more proud to be his children. Other survivors are his grandsons, Austin Thomas and Spencer Carpenter of Overland Park, Kan.; three stepdaughters, five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Some of Tom's ashes will be scattered in Erie, at a later date.

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