Robert Patton

Robert Carson Patton VIRGINIA BEACH - Robert Carson Patton, 95, passed away in peaceful sleep Dec. 4, 2009. Commander Patton, a native of Venus, Texas, enlisted in the Navy as a seaman recruit in 1935 and retired in 1966 after 31 years of service. He served many years at sea primarily aboard destroyers, aircraft carriers, and a cruiser. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Shore duty assignments included the Naval Proving Ground, Dahlgren, Va., Naval Ordinance Plant, York, Pa., Naval Ammunition Depot, St. Juliens Creek, Va., Instructor in Officers Guided Missile School, Fort Bliss, Texas, and Staff Commander Training Command, Atlantic Fleet. Prior to and during the early months of World War II, he served aboard destroyers hunting submarines in the Caribbean and escorting merchant ships across the North Atlantic to England and Russia. Later, Cmdr. Patton saw action in the Pacific participating in seven major engagements while serving aboard an aircraft carrier and a cruiser. He survived submarine and air attacks, and a ship sinking. Bob was a lifetime member of the Retired Officers Association, an avid golfer, founding member of the Swindler Golf Association, and a baseball fan who in his earlier years coached youth baseball and football. At age 81, his interests turned to computers prompting him to complete several courses and becoming a proficient user. At age 87, Bob took up billiards always looking forward to challenging his buddies on Tuesday and Friday nights. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Sophia (Sunny) Patton and son, Donald L. Patton. He is survived by two sons, Robert A. Patton and wife Kathleen of Newport News, and Kenneth W. Patton and wife Margie of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Judith E. Patton of Bradenton, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and seven great- grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at noon Tuesday, Dec. 8, at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at the adjoining Rosewood Memorial Park. A reception for all to gather will be held at the Atlantic Shores Retirement Center, Magnolia Room in the Elizabeth, following interment. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to all the staff at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community for all the caring and friendship given to Bob over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charities.