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Arthur Gordon Patton Sr.
Arthur Gordon Patton Sr.
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Arthur Patton Obituary
Ocala - Arthur Gordon Patton, Sr. 91, went to be with his Savior on Saturday, July 26, 2014.
Gordon was born in Herndon VA. He started working in his father's grocery store at age 13 as a butcher. After graduating high school, he worked in Washington, D.C. as one of the youngest bank clerks in the city. When the US entered World War II, Gordon enlisted in the Navy with the Submarine Service and was stationed with the North Atlantic Fleet. Due to a lack of officers in the military, members of the Fleet were tested for an officer's commission and possible college admittance. As the result of Gordon's performance on this test, he was one of only ten chosen by the Government to attend college. He was sent to Yale University and graduated in just over two years with an officer's commission in the Marine Corps. While at Paris Island, SC, he married Nellie Estelle Shafer in 1945 and was stationed in Oceanside, CA. He was deployed to China during the Communist Revolution.
After serving in the military Gordon served as Special Agent for Naval Intelligence, eventually becoming the Chief of Industrial Security. While Gordon was at the Pentagon he earned both his Master of Laws and his Juris Doctorate from George Washington University. Gordon was admitted and qualified as an attorney and counselor for the United States District Court and District Court of Appeals in Washington DC, the United States Court of Military Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court. During this period he was nominated as one of the Top Ten Young Men in the Federal Government. Later he transferred to Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, assuring the security of advanced guidance and laser systems. Gordon retired from the Federal Government after 26 years of service. He then opened a private law practice in Melbourne, FL. and consulted for several companies in the Melbourne area. He retired from his law practice and moved to Ocala 15 years ago. In addition to belonging to the Yale Alumni Association, the Florida Bar Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Gordon was a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
He is survived by his devoted wife Nellie of 67 years; son Gordon Patton, Jr. of Tallahassee, Fl., son- Scott Patton and wife Sherri of Los Osos, CA; brother James L. Patton of VA; sister Janet Allder of VA; two grandchildren Jamison Matthew Patton and Jacqueline Angelina Patton; and a host of friends.
There will be viewing prior to the service on Sunday, August 3, 2014 from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at the Southwest Christian Church 9045 SW 60th Ave, Ocala with the funeral service to follow at 4:00 PM. The Committal Service will be Monday, August 4th at Florida National Cemetery on Monday at 2:00 PM with Military honors to be presented. Please view and sign the guest book at:
www. forestlawnocala.com.
Arrangements by Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Ocala, Fl. 352-622-4141.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kenneth Barker
August 22, 2014
Dear Nellie, Gordon, Scott and Family, We are sorry we could not be there in person for the service, but we were there in spirit, thoughts and prayers. Our sincere condolences go out to all of you. Uncle Gordon was like a second dad to me when you all lived in Arlington. My fondest memories are visiting you for swim parties, and steaks on the grill. He knew how to cook them to perfection! He was a very talented and industrious man, and served as a good roll model for us "boys". And he had a sense of humor that wouldn't quit. He will be missed greatly, but the world is a better place for his having been here. Still thinking of you, and praying for you here in NC. Kenny and Kathy
Fren Matthews
August 4, 2014
Dear Nellie, I send you and the boys and the rest of your family my sincere condolences. You and your family have always been my good friends for many years. Gordon never mentioned all the great things he did life, that was a remarkable trait, that was one of the nice things about him. He was a very humble man and a generous man. I know you all will miss him. I am truly sorry. Remember all who care.
Jim Patton
August 2, 2014
Lisa and I send our sincere condolences and our regrets for not being able to join the family for Uncle Gordon's services. Uncle Gordon was a wonderful man and lived an incredible life. I am forever grateful for the influence he was in my life. One of the high points of my childhood and something I always looked forward to was visiting Uncle Gordon, Aunt Nell, Gordie and Scott in Florida. Going out on the boat, fishing from the back yard, and just hanging out with the family. Uncle Gordon was loving and always had stories to tell: you could always count on him sharing some wisdom and his sense of humor. He was the kind of uncle every boy needs in his life. He and Aunt Nell were my family connection and provided love and support when I was in college. They were always warm and welcoming when I visited and after graduation Uncle Gordon was extremely helpful as I was making decisions on career choices. I know I would not be in the position I am today were it not for Uncle Gordon encouraging me to accept a job offer as a civil servent with the Army, and I know I would not be the man I am today if it were not for the love and honor to God, family, and country that Uncle Gordon demonstrated. I love and will miss Uncle Gordon and will always treasure the memories of him in my life.
Ginny Lent
August 2, 2014
I remember many happy times at P.E.O. Group parties with Gordon as my partner when we were Jiggs and Maggie,. As a result, I called him Jiggs many times after one of our parties. Thinking of you, Nellie here in Colorado now. Love, Ginny Lent
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August 2, 2014
Nobbie and I send our love to Nell, Gordie, Scottie and his family. We are so sorry that we can't be with you at this time but please know that our love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time
Ding and Nobbie
Nick Nichols
August 1, 2014
To the Patton Family,
On behalf of the Charleston Base SUBVETS and Swamp Fox Chapter SUBVETS WWII, I offer you our sincere condolences on Arthur's passing. We grieve with you on the loss of your loved one and all SUBVETS and their families have your family in our thoughts and prayers. There is no expiration date on the back of our dolphins and Arthur will always be remembered as a “Brother of the Phin” and a great Patriot.
Arthur Gordon Patton Sr.
US Navy Submarine Veteran
Now on Eternal Patrol
Sailor Rest Your Oar
Your Shipmates Have The Watch
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate
Charleston Base Submarine Veterans
Nick Nichols, Base Chaplain
Jean Hippert
August 1, 2014
Jean, Brent and Hillary send their love and deepest sympathy. Uncle Gordon was special to us; I remember Hillary, at about age 3, during a visit to her grandparents' house. Uncle Gordon was visiting Mom and Dad at the time, and when Hillary saw him enter the house with Dad, she said "Look Mommy - there's Ding and another Ding!" The resemblance was obviously very strong, but the love and affection between Dad and Gordon was even stronger. We all looked up to him and will miss him, and our prayers are with Aunt Nell, Gordon, Scott, Sherri and the grandchildren. Much love, Jeannie
Steve Auerbach
July 31, 2014
I was privileged to have a chance to meet Mr. Patton via phone in recent years, and was inspired by his resolute faith. And now he can rest in the arms of Christ.
My family has been and will continue to lift up Mrs. Patton, Scott and family, and Gordon in our prayers. May you all find rest and comfort in the arms of our Lord and Savior. And know that all of us who know you and love you reach out to you.
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5740 South Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480
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