William A. Patton, 84, of Ashland, died Monday, August 18, 2014 at his home. He was born on October 22, 1929 in Hudson and graduated from Nova High School in 1947. After high school William entered into the Army National Guard. He was the Commander of the Ashland and Mansfield Company C of 145th Infantry Unit for about 8 years. In 1971 he became inactive Reserve and retired as Captain in 1989. William met with the former National Guard members of Ashland and held various officer positions within that group. He managed the family farm in rural New London and won many awards for his registered Guernseys. After retiring from farming in 1985, William started selling real estate for Foster Realty in New London and later Century 21 in Ashland until he retired in 1997. William loved nature and sports, especially OSU and the Cleveland Indians, Cavs and Browns. He is survived by the love of his life, Arlene (Dovenbarger) whom he married on June 11, 1958; children, Margaret R. (Dean) Reed of Orrville, Mark W. Patton of Ashland and John T. Patton of Ashland; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. William is also survived by his sisters, Mae Jean Gilger of Yukon, OK and Carol Markel of Tyler, TX and sister-in-laws, Mary Lou Patton of Ashland and Janie Patton of Columbia, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Rhea Patton and brothers, Robert J. and Donald R. Patton. William's family will greet friends Thursday, August 21st from 10 am until the noon service at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 West Main Street, New London with Pastor Tom Ledford officiating. Burial will follow in Huntington Cemetery.

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