Ernest Patton, age 93, of Clovis, California entered into rest on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Ernest was born in Pelahatchie, Mississippi to Houston and Gracie Ann Patton. He grew up in a loving home of modest means with his 6 siblings. After serving in the Air Force, he moved to Chicago and attended De Paul University, earning bachelor's and master's degrees, both in Education. He also met "the love of my life" in Chicago, Carolyn (Smith) Patton. Ernest and Carolyn were married for over 50 years.
Known for his warm personality and infectious smile, Ernest was kind and welcoming to everyone he met. He had a passion for golf, desserts and jazz, with a special fondness for B.B. King and Kenny Burrell—Christmas was never complete without Burrell's music filling the home.
Ernest was a proud educator, shaping future generations with his gentle and loving approach for over 40 years. Even years after his retirement he would run into former students that not only remembered him well, but exclaimed, "Mr. Patton! My favorite teacher!". Despite his dedication to his career, his presence was a constant in the lives of his family. He found time to coach his children's youth sports teams. When he wasn't coaching, he was the #1 cheerleader for both his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. He had a deep love for football, basketball, and baseball, proudly supporting the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and White Sox.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ernest is survived by his son Michael Patton, his son Darren Patton, his son Eric Patton (daughter-in-law Joey); his daughter Dana Patton-Ku (son-in-law Jason Ku); his sisters Essie Brown and Ella Marcus; his granddaughter Nicole Patton and his grandsons, Izaiah Shears-Patton, Quincy Patton, Desmon Patton, Christopher Ku, Elijah Ku and Leo Ku. Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Carolyn Patton; his parents Houston & Gracie Ann Patton; his sisters Olivia Johnson and Vivian Page; and his brothers Luther Patton and the Honorable Houston "Jack" Patton.
A Visitation for Ernest will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
A Funeral Service will occur Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
A Graveside Service will occur Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 South Cornelia Avenue, Fresno, California 93706.
Serving as pallbearers are Michael Patton, Darren Patton, Eric Patton, Jason Ku, Quincy Patton, Izaiah Shears-Patton, Desmon Patton, George Marcus III. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Christopher Ku, Elijah Ku and Leo Ku.
