Joseph R. Paton
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Joseph R. Paton, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 in Freer, TX. He was born in Mexia, TX on October 31, 1930 to Lockiel Lee Paton and Roberta Richardson Paton.
Joe attended and graduated with a BBA from Texas A&I University where he was the 2nd Cadet Corps Commander in A&I ROTC history and was recognized in the Who's Who among American University Students. A true patriot, he went on to proudly serve as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army traveling to White Sands Proving Grounds in New Mexico and later serving overseas in Fontainebleau, France where he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He retired as a Senior Production Foreman with Conoco and was a 32nd Degree Mason.
He started ranching after he left the Army and continued to ranch the rest of his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, ranching, and farming with his boys. Joe could usually be seen with a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile on his face. He had an adventurous spirit and traveled extensively with his wife and family. Later in life he enjoyed watching his boys hunt and fish and enjoyed spending time with them and cooking for them after a day of hunting. An avid cook, his children and grandchildren fondly remember Papa's breakfasts with biscuits and gravy that were "larrupin good." A chess pie aficionado, he had a major sweet tooth and was known to confuse a wine glass with a goblet. He made sure his grandchildren learned to work cattle, drive tractors, and help in harvesting the hay. Stop signs were more of a suggestion than a law to Joe who loved the outdoors and being surrounded by nature. He cherished the time he spent with his family and was blessed to be surrounded by many of them at his passing.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Lockiel Lee and Roberta R. Paton.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Corene "Coco" Paton of Freer, TX; sons, Joseph Keith (Teresa) Paton, of Kosciusko, MS, Vance David Paton, of Alice, TX, Kurt Paton of Benavides, TX and Grant E. (Polly) Paton of Lorena, TX; eight grandchildren, Blake Paton, Victoria Paton, Alexandria Paton, Sarita Paton, Selina (Daniel) Sparrow, Heather (Jon) Clark, Jennifer Byram, and Lisa (Dr. Daniel) Elwell; three great-grandchildren; brothers, J.D. Paton of Tucson, AZ and Roger (Kathy) Paton of Gonzalez, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Holmgreen Mortuary, located at 2061 E. Main St. Alice, TX. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 25, 2021 at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Alice, TX.
Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.