Arvil D. Patton

Arvil D. Patton, of Palestine, Texas, a devoted husband, dedicated railroader, and faithful servant of the Lord, departed this life for his heavenly home on Thursday, the 16th day of April 2026.  He was 85 years of age when the Lord called him home. Mr. Patton was born in the Harmony Community in Anderson County on the 19th day of August 1940 to parents Vernon Patton and Mertie Toole Patton. 

A proud graduate of Palestine High School, Mr. Patton spent his career with the Union Pacific Railroad. For many years before retiring, he worked as a carman, a role that reflected his strong work ethic and mechanical skill.

His faith was the foundation of his life. A member of Montalba Baptist Church for over 50 years, Mr. Patton served his congregation with humility and dedication as a deacon. His commitment to his church family and service to the Lord was a steady presence in the Montalba community.

Mr. Patton’s life was defined by his love for the outdoors, but most especially by his love for horses. An avid and skilled horseman, it was on horseback in Montalba that he first met the love of his life, Jane. Their shared passion for riding marked the beginning of a beautiful journey together. When he wasn’t in the saddle, he could often be found hunting or spending time with family.  Mr. Patton was dearly loved by many and will be forever missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vernon and Mertie Patton; his brother, Vernon Pascal “Tinker” Patton, infant brother Homer Gene Patton, brothers-in-law Norman Collins and Graham Williams, and his niece Heather Mays.

Mr. Patton leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Jane Patton; daughter, Paula Louise Patton of Alto, Texas; son, Allen Patton and wife Tara of Montalba, Texas; sister, Cindy Cretsinger and husband Bob of Slocum, Texas; and sisters-in-law, Emma Collins of Montalba, Texas and Patsy Patton of Palestine, Texas. “Papaw” as he was lovingly called by his grandchildren, Dusty Patton and wife Samantha, Ryan Patton and wife Sarah, and Emily Wilburn and husband Cota, along with his great-grandchildren, Lillian Patton, Bryce Smith, Bella Frith, Jaxon Myrick, Tucker Wilburn, Wylie Wilburn, and Wacey Wilburn, will all cherish the memories made with their beloved grandfather.

A memorial service to celebrate Mr. Patton’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, the 26th day of April 2026 at Montalba Baptist Church with Bro. Wayne Frazier officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service.

Honorary pallbearers include Steve Patton, Jason Patton, Heath Mays, Troy Collins, Travis Collins, Tony Collins, Jeff Williams, Bradley Williams, and Logan “Runt” Lockey.

Memorial and cremation services for Arvil D. Patton are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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