Patton, William Anthony, passed away on March 20, 2020, after a short illness at age 76. A former US Marine originating in Crescent City, California, Tony is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janis; sister, Sandra Patton; daughter, Stephanie Fay; and granddaughters, Alexandra and Penelope Fay, all of Celina, Texas.
He and his humor were loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed by all. He joins in heaven his son, Anthony, and parents, William Alton Patton and Katherine “Babe” Caravelli from Yorba Linda and Crescent City, California, respectively.
Tony enjoyed gardening and it was his way to commune with God. Tony was very practical and preferred flowering plants to cut flowers. If you would like to send flowers to the family, please consider doing so via living plants. Alternately, please consider planting a tree or a flowering plant in your own yard or local park in his memory.
Having been a wonderful father and devoted grandfather, Tony made great efforts to assist local children whenever possible and was a mentor to all children who spent time with him. If you prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the schools in the Celina Independent School District or to a school near you, be it for a “Buddy Bench” where children who are feeling left out will be invited to play or to be used towards a garden for the children. If you prefer, please also consider sponsoring a children’s baseball or softball team in his memory.
Tony was a founding member of American Legion Post 145 in Celina, Texas. He was proud of being a US Marine and his time served. He encouraged others to help Veterans of all ages. So, if you are able to, please consider contacting your local American Legion Post or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post to provide in some way for veterans in need local to you.
Please know that while donations are appreciated, what was important to Tony and to his family is that we all make an effort to support people in our families and communities, and that can be done in ways not involving any financial output. Help a neighbor in need be it helping to take care of their yard, make minor home repairs or help with doctor appointments or other errands. Spend time with someone who is feeling lonely and isolated. Visit your local retirement home and spend time with seniors who may not get many visits from family. Volunteer at your local school. Coach a children’s sporting team. There are too many ways to list here, but the bottom line is to be good to your family, friends and local community. Find some way that works for you to give back.
For those of you who knew him well, the family requests that you write down some or all of your favorite memories of Tony, and any photographs you may have of him, and email them to the family at PattonFamilyCelina@gmail.com.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.