Gary A. Patton

1942 - 2026

Gary A. Patton
Born: February 15, 1942 in Danville, IL
Died: February 26, 2026 in Ottawa, IL
Gary A. Patton, 84, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Seamus Enright, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, and Rev. John Meyers, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 and an hour prior before the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Gary was born on February 15, 1942 to Fred and Mary (Moore) Patton in Danville, IL. Shortly after, the family moved to Seneca. He was a 1960 graduate of Seneca High School. After graduation he went to work at Caterpillar Tractor Co. During the 39 years he was employed there, he worked his way from the assembly line to the office.
In 1966, Gary met the love of his life, Judy Stone, of Ottawa. They were married March 4, 1967 at the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa. The two were happily married for nearly 59 years. Gary and Judy had three children, Mary (Chris Nelson) Shehorn, Tina (Joe) Kannel, and Matthew (Kathy Kohl) Patton. They were blessed with five grandchildren, Bailey (Tyler Courtney) Shehorn, Molly (Chance Lester) Patton, Mason (Shawna) Kannel, Ethan Kannel, and Andrew Shehorn.
After Gary retired in 1998, he and his bride enjoyed camping, fishing, and traveling. Gary took up pen making and woodworking. But, most of all, they loved being together.
Gary is survived by his wife, Judy; three children; five grandchildren; and two great grandsons on the way. Also, his sister, Bonnie Joneson of Morris; sister-in-law, Donna Patton of Seneca; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary; a brother, Ronnie Patton; and a brother-in-law, Emmett Joneson.
Pallbearers will be Mason Kannel, Ethan Kannel, Andrew Shehorn, Chris Nelson, Tyler Courtney, and Chance Lester.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433.