Born on April 20, 1947, in Sedalia, Missouri, to Alford Patton and Anna Lou Rich, Charles’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, gratitude, and civic responsibility.
A lifelong learner, Charles graduated as valedictorian from New Boston High School and continued his education at Texarkana Community College before earning his Master’s degree from East Texas State University. He dedicated his professional life to education, where he inspired countless students as a mathematics teacher. He was also a successful local businessman, never content with just one venture, and his entrepreneurial spirit was a driving force throughout his life.
Charles was a man of action and strong opinions, but he was also deeply grateful to those who helped him succeed. He was a pillar of his community, a civic-minded individual who believed in giving back and making a difference. His legacy is carried on not only by his family but also by the many lives he touched as an educator and a mentor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Janet Patton; his children, Donavan and Teresa Taylor of Horatio, Arkansas, Annie Neal and Johnna Barfield of New Boston, and Mitchell Patton of New Boston, Texas. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren, Olivia and Reed Miller of Dallas, Texas, Corley Bec of Wilton, Arkansas, and Beau Taylor of Fort Worth, Texas, and his great-grandson, Leo Miller of Dallas and brother John (Bo) and wife Virginia Patton of Texarkana, Texas.
The family extends a special thank you to John Allen Sewell, Jason Kroll, Steve McMillian, Randall Fellers, Ann Loftin, Steve Minter, and his forever 27-year-old girlfriend, Dian Kent, for their profound impact on his life. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, James (Billy) Patton and sister in law, Shirley Patton.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bates Rolf Funeral Home in New Boston, Texas. The funeral service will take place on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Rock Creek Baptist Church.
Flowers are welcome, and the family also requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his honor.
