Thomas James Patton Sr.

Tom was born on November 17, 1953, in Uravan, Colorado, to Ermadalle (Coffey) Patton and Jeff Patton. He grew up in Uravan, Deer Lodge and Dillon, Montana, before making Craig, Colorado, his home for most of his adult life.

Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1972. During his time in the service, he lived in both Hawaii and Japan, experiences that became an important part of his life and story. After his military service, Tom moved to Craig in the early 1980s and began his career at Hayden Station. He spent 32 years working as a plant operator before retiring in the early 2000s.

On May 30, 1994, Tom married Nancy Jo (Olson) Patton in Craig. Together they built a life filled with family, animals, friendship, and the quiet routines that made their home special.

Tom was, in many ways, a soft man with a hard shell. Those who knew him well understood the kindness, loyalty, and love that lived beneath his sometimes-gruff exterior. He loved spending time with his family and especially enjoyed being around the "littles." His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and he cherished the time he was able to spend with them.

Tom also had a lifelong love for animals. Over the years, he and Nancy shared their home and property with many dogs and cats, as well as horses, goats, and the occasional cow or bull. His animals were more than pets—they were part of the family, and Tom took great pleasure in caring for them.

A familiar part of Tom's mornings was a trip to the local bakery for coffee with his friends. Among those friends was Charlie Stauffer, a lifelong friend whose companionship Tom treasured. These simple moments of friendship and conversation were an important part of Tom's everyday life.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Jo Patton; his sister, Elsie (Larry) Wilson of Deer Lodge, Montana; his children, Thomas Patton Jr. of Craig, Colorado; William Weathers of Craig, Colorado; and Christy (Karl) Fangmann of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and his grandchildren, Landon Patton, Lindsey Hubert, Tracy (Logan) White, Steven Dawson, David (Shelby) McNeal, Faith Weathers, Kyana (RJ) Brotherton, Dylan Barlean, Hayley (Brandon) Nash, and Kelsie (Justin) Dale. He is also survived by his 10 great-grandchildren, along with his nieces and nephews, Bobbi (Matt) Hettick, Chrisalene (Dan) Polloma, and Jeff (Carrie) Patton, as well as many extended family members and friends who loved him.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Ermadalle and Jeff Patton, and his brother, Frank Patton of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Tom will be remembered for his quiet strength, his loyalty to those he loved, his love of animals, his morning coffee with friends, his years of service to his country and community, and most of all, his devotion to his family. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will carry his stories, his dry humor, and his boundless love with them for years to come.

A funeral service will be held at Grant Mortuary in Craig, Colorado, on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Following services, Tom will be laid to rest at Craig Cemetery, alongside his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Craig VFW or American Legion in Tom's memory.

Tom may have had a hard shell, but those fortunate enough to know him knew the soft heart underneath. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.