J.M. Patton, son of the late Joseph and Virgie Green Patton, was born in Puxico on May 11, 1929, and died at St. Louis University on Sunday, April 17, 2005, at the age of 75.

He had lived in Southeast Missouri all his life and had lived in Parma since 1947. He was a Baptist. Mr. Patton was a retired school bus driver and mechanic. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M.

On Nov. 5, 1977, he was married to Doris Jean Knight in East Prairie.

Surviving are his wife, Doris Patton of Parma; two step-sons, Rodney Ledbetter of Dallas, Texas, and Rick Ledbetter of Piggott, Ark.; four step-daughters, Pam Norman of Dudley, Debbie Smith of Gideon, Linda Caldwell of Dexter, and Carolyn Duck of Campbell; nine step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Vernon Patton of Mary Esther, Fla., Patrick Patton of McMinnville, Tenn.; Raymon Patton of Wappapello, and Jerry Patton of Mulvane, Kan.; three sisters, Lois Hughes of Fredericktown, Louise Dubbs of Booneville, and Lillian Bolin of Naylor.

He was preceded in death by one step-son, James Wayne Adams.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Parma.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 21, 2005, in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Parma with Bro. Joe R. Williams of Malden officiating.

Interment will follow in the Rosewood Cemetery in Malden with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Parma in charge of arrangements.