COLUMBUS
Daniel William Patton, 86, of Columbus, peacefully passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior on January 23, 2024, at his home in Florida.
Dan was born November 28, 1937, in Morehead, KY, the only child of John Patton and Gladys Skaggs Patton Eldridge. They were a young couple from farming families with nothing to their name and soon took their child to Indianapolis to seek out a better life. Dan’s mother later married his step-father Les Eldridge and they welcomed Dan’s brother Ed (Alida) Eldridge in 1948. He survives. At age 12 Dan moved with his father, step-mother Polly, and three step-siblings (Freda, Bill, and Jim Gray) to Sullivan IN. It was at Sullivan High that he met the love of his life, Sara Jean “Sally” Loudermilk and they married on September 14, 1958. They had four children, Daniel W (Cathy), Kenneth (Liz), Randy (Shelly), and Lori (Troy) Love. Dan was blessed with 15 grandchildren: Dan (Jill) Patton, Sarah (Tyler) Jarvis, Rebecca (Paul) Krenz, James (Ezra) Patton, Ashley (Matt) Flick, Paige (Chris) Goings, Joseph Patton, Rachel (Ross) Andre, Whitney (Jason) Hoban, Zach (Tiffany) Love, Moriah and Elijah Love, Hannah (Jason Riley), Nathan and John Patton. He had sixteen great-grandchildren and was expecting two more.
Dan was a 1960 graduate of Purdue University in Mechanical Engineering, working his way through school in co-ops and with Sally working as a beautician. He spent his career at Cummins Engine Co., retiring in 1987. He began a second career as a real estate broker and investor. Working together with Sally, they created and maintained a family real estate business that continues on.
Dan was a faithful follower of Christ. He was a former member of First Baptist Church in Columbus and a current member of First Christian Church in Columbus. He attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years and was active in Sunday School.
Dan had a true engineer’s spirit, always fixing or improving something, working on a car, home project, or the next “deal.” He was forever curious and learning. He was known as an engineer, pilot, investor, entrepreneur, and Mr. Fix-It, but his most prized and honored titles were “Dad” and “Grandpa”. Together Dan and Sally encouraged their children, ensuring each one got a college degree, and supporting them in every career choice, endeavor, or business start-up. They celebrated each new addition to the family. Dan lamented over the last few years that he and Sally didn’t have more children so he could have even more grandchildren which would have been even more joy and love. His family and his Savior were the center of his life and his motivation for everything he did.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with Rev. Al White officiating. Calling hours will be from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Entombment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery Mausoleum.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 50 91st St. #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240, or Clarity Pregnancy Services, 2420 E. 7th St. Columbus, IN 47201, or through the funeral home.
