IN MEMORIAM: John Patton

John S. Patton

John S. Patton, second-generation owner of Patton Pest Control in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and 1997-98 president of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), passed away surrounded by family on April 22. He was 74.

Per his obituary, Patton was an Eagle Scout who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. After college graduation, he helped his father, John R. Patton, with their pest control firm. He also joined the Army Reserves, and while stationed in Williamsburg, Va., met Pattie Hudgins. They were married 45 years until her passing on March 15, 2021. They raised three daughters, Jennifer Patton Ker; Molly Patton Marsh, who is CEO of Patton Pest Control, and Mary Patton.

After his father’s passing in 1985, Patton became president of Patton Pest Control. He also served terms as president of the Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA) and the Associated Pest Services (APS) organization. He chaired the NPMA’s Insect Control Committee for two years and the Project Development Committee (the technical arm of the NPMA). He was also a member of industry fraternity Pi Chi Omega, as well as several local community organizations, including the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, Kiwanis and the Rotary.

“Whenever in conversation with John, you learned something. He could wax eloquently on honestly anything, but life, history, geology, science fiction, insects, and religion were among of his favorite wanderings,” the obituary notes. “He seemed to know everything. He was an avid reader and audible listener and always had a new book ready to go. He was a remarkable individual and touched the lives of many who knew him. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.

“He was a great father and husband and planned the best vacations. There was never a dull moment on family trips. Memories were created all over the map with some of the favorites to numerous National Parks, swimming in the bioluminescent bay, Cape Hatteras, Y2K New Orleans, the ‘Great Out West’ Trip, spelunking, and the presidential trial as he called it. We have many memories and are so grateful for the time we have had with you and Mom over the years.”

Calling hours will be held at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield, OH, on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 2024 from noon until the Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Overlook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nelson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 210, Garrettsville, OH 44231.

The Pest Management Professional magazine staff sends its sympathies to Patton’s family, friends and colleagues.