Russel Patten Obituary

PEKIN - Russell L. Patten, 90, of Pekin passed away at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at Pekin Manor.

Russ was born on Aug. 12, 1921, in Pekin to Sylvester Sutton and LaVina (Wickkizer) Patten.

He married Florence Brumns on June 30, 1949, in Pekin.

Preceding him in death are his parents; one son, David Patten; and one sister, Virginia Grunloh.

Surviving are his wife, Florence of Pekin; one son, Robert Patten of Pekin; two daughters, Vicki (Thomas) McKinley of Pekin and Peggy Patten of Peoria Heights, Ill.; three grandchildren, Lanette Trenholm of Pekin, Christopher McKinley of Yucaipa, Calif., and James R. McKinley of Carbondale, Ill.; eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Russ was a World War II veteran of the United States Navy and served forty-two months in the Philippines.

He was employed at Keystone Steel and Wire Company for thirty-five years, retiring in 1981.

Russ was member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Methodist Men.

He was a 50-year member of William Schafer Post #44 American Legion and served as commander, blood donor chairman and was known as the Flag Man.

He was the 16th District Commander and Boys State Chairman for the American Legion. He was a member and volunteer of Elks, Friends of the Library, Tazewell County Historical Museum, Pekin Jaycees, Pekin Coin Club, Roy L. King Post 1232 VFW, DeMolay and President of the Keystone Retirees Club.

Russ was a volunteer escort at Pekin Hospital for twenty-seven years, with over 4,000 hours of volunteer service.

He was active in the Tazewell County Republican Party, serving as a precinct committeeman, and was the 2001 Tazewell County Man of the Year. Also in 2001, he was named the Elks Club member of the year.

Russ enjoyed collecting stamps, ink pens, mechanical pencils and national convention badges.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Grace United Methodist Church. The Rev. Gary Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will be Lakeside Cemetery, with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703, or to Grace United Methodist Church, 503 N. 4th Street Pekin, IL 61554.

For online condolences or to light a candle, go to www.hendersonfuneralcare.com.