Germond Che Patton

Germond Che Patton, beloved son of Gerald W. and Linda W. Patton, was born on March 26, 1976, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was christened by Reverend Jesse V. Bottoms pastor of Green Street Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Later at age 12, he was baptized at Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri.

Germond grew up in St. Louis where he played soccer and was a competitive swimmer. Later, after relocating to Evanston, Illinois, he became a competitive chess player and graduated from Evanston Township High School.

Following the attack on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001, Germond decided to serve his county by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps. Basic training was completed in San Diego and he was later stationed at the Marine Base at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA. Germond served two tours of duty in Iraq, June 1, 2003 to June 1, 2007. His service was valorous. He is a Purple Heart recipient. Other recognitions and commendations include:

•Combat Action Ribbon: for engaging hostile forces during both deployments

•Global War on Terrorism Service Medal: for participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom

•Iraqi Campaign Medal: for participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom

•Sea Service Deployment Ribbon: awarded for two overseas deployments

•Navy Unit Commendation: for actions in Fallujah

•Good Conduct Medal: for three years of honorable service in the Marine Corps

•Purple Heart: received as a result of injuries sustained from a suicide vehicle-borne IED in Fallujah which en route to Boston Road

•Certificate of Commendation: awarded for exemplary conduct in Ramadi, Rut’nah, and Fallujah

Immediately following his military service, he and his fellow Marines took a trip to Australia for recuperation, rest, and relaxation.

Military duty completed, Germond turned his attention to education by earning an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Studies at Mesa College in San Diego, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, San Diego State University, and the Juris Doctorate, Loyola University Chicago College of Law.

Germond was Law Clerk/Paralegal for Workers’ Compensation, Goldberg, Weisman and Cairo/GWC Lawyers LLC in Chicago. Most recently he was employed at the Social Security Administration in Chicago.

Along with his parents who reside in Rancho Mirage, CA, Germond is survived by aunts Catherine Cothran, Chattanooga, TN; Barbara L. Patton, Murfreesboro, TN.; and Vanessa (Henry) Peterson, Indianapolis, IN, as well as numerous cousins. Cherishing his memory are his godmother Joan S. Neblett, retired Superior Court Judge, Oakland CA., and godfather Dr. Darwin Henderson of Cincinnati, OH.

Friends and family will gather for a Celebration of Life in Germond’s honor on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 2-5PM at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL, 60625. Reverend Henry Peterson will officiate a service at 3PM.