A long-time painting contractor passed away suddehnly April 10, 2003 at the age of 56. Dave Patton was born February17, 1947 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The son of Clifford Eugene Patton and Agnes Paget Patton, Dave was the third of four children. He was six when his family moved to the Sebastopol area. He attended school there, graduating from Analy High in 1965. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the Army.

Dave and his former business partner Charlie Bartolemei started Bar-Ton Painting in the early 1970s. The company did may jobs in the Sonoma and Marin counties. In 1990, Dave established his own sole-ownership company, Patton Painting & Decorating. His work was his great pride and identity. He was thrilled when his son, Jeff, decided to follow in his footstps and obtain his own contractors license.

Dave loved entertaining at home. His pool table was always open and card decks were always available. He loved his family. Dave's children and grandchildren were his greatest joy.

He is survived by his loving wife, Tina Fredson-Patton, of Windsor, daughter of Sonya Hardy (Owen) of Sparks, Nevada; son, Jeffrey Patton (Amy) of Guerneville, Stepdaughter Renee Braunschweig (Tom) of Lakeport; four grandchildren, Weston, Ashlyn, Kira, and Brittany. Dave is is also survived by his brothers, James Patton (Brigitta), of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Robert Pattoin (Trini) of Petaluma; sister, Sherrie Morrison, of Santa Rosa; brother and sister-in-law Robert and Laura Fredson of Healdsburg, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 203 at 11:00 A.M., Pleasant Hill Memorial Park Chapel, 1700 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. A reception will follow at the Patton residence. Donations may be made in Dave's memory to the Canine Companions for Independence in Santa Rosa, Friends of the Animals in the Redwood Empire in Rohnert Park, or the Healdsburg Animal Shelter in Healdsburg.

(From The Press Democrat, 15 April 2003)