Steven Ray Patton

Four Oaks, NC (formally from Wisconsin and Illinois) - Steven Ray Patton, 72, died Thursday, July 6, 2023 - complications from his 10-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Paoli, IN on November 29, 1950, the son of the late James and Elzora (Piatt) Patton-Brown. He married the love of his life Tami Stelse on May 1, 1991. and she survives. He retired as a CNC Machinist from Crepaco after 35 years when they closed the company. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force service in Twain - Vietnam Era. He was a legionnaire of the Cantigny Post #556, Wheaton, IL, in which he was very active in the post volunteering, attending many events, and established a loving brotherhood during this time. He is a lifelong member of VFW. Steve was a very proud to be a USAF Veteran and loved his country. Steve volunteered many hours after retirement for People's Resource Food Pantry and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Wheaton, IL.

Survivors include his loving wife, Tami; two children, Jeffrey (Christy) Patton, Brenda Sue Stahl. Seven grandchildren; three sisters, Linda (Vic) Greenwell and Kay (Joe) Phillips of Indiana and Teri Wheeler of Missouri; five brothers, Michael (Linda) Patton and Ken (Sherrie) Patton of North Carolina, Kevin (Mary) Patton and Daniel (Lisa) Patton of Indiana. Sister-in-law, Debra (Richard) Payne of Illinois, Debbie Stelse of Wisconsin and Marilyn Patton of Indiana. Several nieces and nephews. Special mention to Tami's uncle, John (Ann) Miller of Wisconsin - John was more of a "brother" to Steve than uncle.

In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his two brothers, Phil Patton and Roger Patton, father-in-law, Raymond Stelse, and a brother-in-law, Dennis Stelse.

A private memorial service celebrating Steve's life will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023, in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Memorial Honors. Celebration of life will come at a later date in Illinois.