Obituary of Lewis Edwin Patton

Lewis Edwin Patton, age 88, of Overland Park, KS, passed away surrounded by his family on June 22nd, 2016 at University of Kansas Hospital. Lewis was born on December 23rd, 1927 in Moberly, MO to Edwin Guy Patton and Mary Margaret (Wagner) Patton. He graduated from Moberly High School in 1945, Moberly Community College in 1947, and from the University of Missouri in 1949 with a degree in Chemistry. Following his graduation from the home of his Tigers, he honorably served his country by putting his chemistry degree to use in the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, Maryland and served as a Corporal in the 390th Chemical Laboratory Unit, did research on nerve gas and attended Atomic blasts at Yucca Flats, AZ. Following his discharge from the Army, Lewis taught math and science in Moberly and Cairo. After his stint in the classroom, he found his passion selling school furniture and science products for Welch Scientific and went on to become part owner of School Specialty. He then founded his own company, PEPCO, in 1989, which is still located in Moberly. Lewis was a member of the Central Christian Church of Moberly, the Village Presbyterian Church and Lake Ozark Christian Church. He also held membership in the Masonic Lodge of Old Milton. Lewis was a true gentleman who saw to everyone else’s needs before his own. He married Sally Bassett (Zahl) Patton on November 18th, 1951 in Moberly, MO. Lewis loved farming his land and being outdoors enjoying hunting, fishing, and golf. He never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Tigers. Lewis and Sally B. enjoyed traveling frequently and loved their time spent at the Lake of the Ozarks. His family will always remember him for his unselfish character and his legendary story telling abilities. He is survived by his wife of the home, Sally B., and his three children; Sally E. Burton (Doug) of Loch Lloyd, MO; Andy (Lynn) Patton of Kansas City, MO and David (Erin) Patton of Moberly, MO; and grandchildren Scott (Torri), David, Sarah (Jeremy), Drew (fiancé Jillian), Joseph, and great grandson Parker and is also survived by his sister, Mary Sue (Patton) Stansberry of Moberly, MO and many other loving family members. A Service celebrating Lewis’ life will be held Sunday, June 26th, 2016 at 3:15 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home of Moberly, MO, with a Masonic service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Internment with full military honors will follow at Oakland Cemetery of Moberly. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 26th, 2016 from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the Masonic service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moberly Area Community College Foundation, 101 College Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 or the University of Missouri Chemistry Department, 601 South College Avenue, Columbia, MO 65211.