Michael Glen Patton

Michael Glen Patton, 68, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL since 2019, formerly of Prince William County, VA, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2020 in North Fort Myers. He was born August 22, 1952 in San Diego, CA.

Mike was, first and foremost, a Dad.  He loved his kids and grandkids more than anything in this world.

Holding him in never ending love are his beloved wife, Deborah Patton of North Fort Myers; loving mother, Darlene Patton of Gallatin, MO; five loving children, Michelle Patton Swisher and Chris of Spotsylvania, VA; Justin Patton and Leslie of Locust Grove, VA; Sean Patton of Manassas, VA; Ryan Patton, also of Manassas; and Megan Rose Patton of Madison, AL; four stepchildren, Joe Ford and Caitlin of Stafford, VA, David Ford and Kaitlyn of Houston, TX; Joshua Ford and Tessie of Manassas; and Michael Ford, also of Manassas; two brothers, Steven Patton and Alice of Gallatin, MO; and Kelly Patton and Susan of San Diego, CA; as well as eighteen outstanding grandchildren.

Mike actually never used the word “step” when speaking of any of his children or grandchildren.  He said, “Our” kids and “Our” grandkids.  Whenever clarification might be needed, it was “Our kids on Mike’s side”, or “Our kids on Deb’s side.”

Mike was, second (and also foremost), a drummer.  He loved good music, especially accompanied by a cold beer!  On a trip visiting brother, Kelly, in California a few years ago, Mike’s incessant drumming on any surface his hands could find caused Kelly to yell, “Michael, will you stop that tapping!” 

Mike was, third (and also foremost), the best friend anyone could ever have.  He was always there with a shoulder, a joke, a deep discussion, a helpful hand and a loving heart.  Dear friends Mark and Deb Leigh gave Mike a photo of Mark, Deb, Mike and Deb on a photo frame that said “Friends are the Family We Choose”.  Mike truly loved his longtime family of friends in Virginia, and across the country, with all his heart, and he loved his new Florida family of friends just as well.

Mike served more than 20 years in the United States Army, serving with others who are very cherished by him.    He loved to tell stories, more than once, about all of the shenanigans with his Army family of friends.  It always began, “When I was stationed at . . .” 

Mike loved to talk of all of the (awesome, and sometimes not so awesome) adventures he had with all of us, his family and family of friends, but he always had his one particular phrase of wisdom that he never failed to share:

“Don’t let 3 seconds of stupidity ruin your whole life.”

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Doyle “Pat” Patton, by his brother, Craig Patton, and by his grandson, Gavin Patton.

Mike’s family will have a Celebration of his Life at the Dale City VFW Post 1503 on Friday, October 23, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. (14631 Minnieville Rd, Dale City, VA 22193)

Family and Friends are invited to please leave a note on the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.  

We thank you all for everything you have already done, and all you continue to do.  You were a blessing to him and are truly a comfort to us.

We last forever!

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.