Steve Patton, a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, January 29, at the Hospice House in Bowling Green. Born on November 13, 1948—fittingly on his Aunt Naomi’s birthday— Steve was a proud Edmonson County native and the cherished son of the late Nola Wilkins Patton and John Bruce Patton. Steve shared a beautiful life with his high school sweetheart, best friend, and constant companion, Jeanne Alexander Patton, who survives. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and adventure—walking hand in hand through every season and creating memories that will forever be treasured.

Steve was raised in a home rich with charity, guidance, and strong family ties. He was lovingly nurtured by his mother, Nola; his grandmother, Nannie “Mama Nannie” Wilkins; and his devoted aunts and uncle, Frankie “Mammy” and Virgil Shaw, Wanda Mason, and Naomi Williams. Surrounded by family, Steve learned the values that would guide him throughout his life—faith, kindness, loyalty, and dedication. Alongside his brother, Jerry, he shared his childhood with his aunts’ children—Sam, Kathy, and Edd—who were more than cousins; they were siblings at heart, bound by love that has lasted a lifetime and beyond.

Faith was the cornerstone of Steve’s life. From an early age, he was taught to pray and to place God at the center of all things. He was saved at the age of nine at Mulberry Flats School, baptized, and united with his family at Sweeden Missionary Baptist Church. Later, he joined Midway United Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful and devoted member.

Steve was a proud graduate of Edmonson County High School and Western Kentucky University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to build a distinguished career with Commonwealth Insurance Company, serving as regional vice president. He was respected for his integrity, professionalism, and genuine care for others, which helped him develop lifelong friendships with his colleagues.

In retirement, Steve embraced life fully—traveling the world, discovering new places, meeting new friends, and embracing life’s simple pleasures. He enjoyed trading sports cards, reading, playing golf, and the fellowship he shared as a member of the Washington Meredith Masonic Lodge. He had the unique ability to turn strangers into friends with just a single conversation! He held strong beliefs, took pride in his Republican values and showed unwavering support for the UK Wildcats. Yet, he approached differing opinions with respect and an open mind.

Above all else, Steve’s greatest joy was his family, adoring daughters and grandchildren. He delighted in their accomplishments, every moment spent together, and proudly encouraged all their endeavors. Whether attending church, a piano recital, ballgame, business function or dance performance, Steve was always there—faithfully showing his unconditional love and support.

In addition to his wife, Jeanne, Steve leaves to honor his memory-- his daughters, Dana Lindsey (Jonathan) and Erica Simpson (Barrett); step-children, Alex Ulm (Vanessa) and Michelle Coleman (Patrick); grandchildren, Jacob Simpson (Emma), Hannah Board (Bailey), Kaylee Lindsey, Anna Kate Simpson, Madelyn Simpson, Evelyn Ulm, Samantha Ulm, and Penny Jeanne Coleman; great-granddaughter, Adalyn Board; brother, Jerry Patton (Marilyn); sister, Devra Patton West; nieces, Alison Patton and Andrea Brantley (Robbie) and cousins, Sam Shaw (Barbara), Kathy Wahman, and Edd Williams (Sherry). Steve is lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends whom he valued. In addition to his parents, grandmother, aunts, and uncle, Steve was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce Patton; nephew, Rob Meadows and great-nephew, Robert Braeden Patton Combs. “Hallelujah, What a Morning”, when we all meet again!

The interment will be in Brownsville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Southern Kentucky.

VISITATION

1 - 7 PM, Monday, February 2, 2026

Patton Funeral Home - Brownsville Chapel

10 AM - 2 PM, Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Midway United Missionary Baptist Church

MASONIC SERVICE BY WASHINGTON MEREDITH MASONIC LODGE #355 F&AM

6 PM, Monday, February 2, 2026

FUNERAL SERVICE

2 PM, Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Midway United Missionary Baptist Church

ARRANGEMENTS BY PATTON FUNERAL HOME BROWNSVILLE CHAPEL

Online condolences can be made at www.pattonfuneralhome.com