Phillip Steele Patton Jr.

Phillip (Sonny) Steele Patton Jr. 85, of Independence, Missouri passed away on June 7th, 2021 at home surrounded by his loved ones. Phillip was born in Kansas City, MO and was raised in Sugar Creek, MO. Phillip enlisted in the United States Army in 1954 and served 3 years in Germany and Korea during peacetime. After military service, Phillip worked at KAW Transport until 1965 when he went to work for Ralph Kidwell. After Ralph Kidwell passed away, Phillip worked for Ralph’s son Jim Kidwell for 45 years as a heavy equipment operator with Union local 101.

Phillip was a devoted Catholic and a member of St. Marks Catholic Church in Independence, MO. Phillip was also a diehard NASCAR Fan and was an avid Dale Earnhardt fan. Phillip’s greatest love was his wife Edna (Sue) Patton of 46 happy years. Phil leaves behind his wife Sue Patton of Independence, MO, daughter Debbie Kerr of Sugar Creek, MO, daughter Kimberly Gouldsmith of Independence, MO, son Perry Patton of Los Angeles, CA, son Rick Deihl of Kingsville, MO, sister Phyllis Stevens, Osawatomie, KS and “adopted” daughter Kathy Freedle of Grain Valley, MO. Phillip also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Phillip was proceeded in death by his son Jerry Patton, parents Phillip Sr. and Viola Patton, brother David Patton, sister Florence Parker and son-in-law Gregory Kerr.

Phillip was known by many names such as Honey, Dad, Pop, Grandpa and Pawpaw. He will be missed by his family and friends and his memory will live on forever. If desired, family and friends can make memorial contributions to The American Cancer Society.