Patrick "Leo" Patton, age 81, of Custer, SD, passed away on December 14, 2015, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Patrick was born on November 23, 1934, in Sacramento, CA, to Patrick Lewis and Gracie (Newton) Patton. He proudly served in the United States Army as a cook in Fort Sill, OK from 1957, until his honorable discharge in 1959. Patrick worked at Metalloy Steel Foundry in Sacramento for 28 years, lived in Placerville, CA for 24 years. While in living in California he enjoyed going on motorcycle trips and poker runs with his brothers. Upon retiring in Custer, SD Patrick purchased a home on 3 acres and 2 horses, this is where he enjoy spending a lot of his free time riding with his oldest grand –daughter.


Retirement did not suit him and so he worked for Tri State Recycling in Newcasle, WY as yard man and small truck driver for 5 years. Next he worked 2 summers at The Village and then 5 years at The Cowboy, as a dishwasher - obviously he liked to keep busy.


In 2009, he survived open heart surgery for valve replacement which was performed at the Veterans Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. The hope was that this surgery would give him back the energy to get back to work, not that he loved doing dishes, but he did love being able to get out into town to work with people. His health deteriorated to the point that he had to be admitted to Custer Senior Healthcare Facility in February 2015; He enjoyed the interaction with the other residents there and loved the staff. Despite enjoying everyone he wanted to be able to return home, but this was not meant to be. Sadly his body could not handle any more and at the age of 81 he passed on December 14, 2015.


Patrick was a member of the Newcastle Seventh Day Adventist Church. He liked to go hunting, camping, motorcycle riding and horseback riding.


Patrick is survived by his wife, Kathryn (Kaye) Patton; daughter, Debra Sue Walling of Texarkana, TX; son, Michael Lee Patton of McIntosh, SD; brother, Johhny Patton of Sacramento, CA; sister, Bertha Mankee; grandchildren, Jennifer Terrill, Bree Bixby, John Lamberson, Tim Crowfoot, Justin Patton; great grandchildren, Anna, Becki, Mikayla, Tyler, Riley; great great grandchildren, Sean and Emily Ann.


A Celebration of Life will be held on December 28, 2015 at the Custer Seventh Day Adventist Church on Montgomery St, in Custer. Open visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., with Pastor Story presenting a Eulogy at 3:00p.m., with Military honors to follow. Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, SD at a later date.