Patton Manuel Allison

Patton Manuel Allison, age 38, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after facing illness with extraordinary grace, bravery, and unwavering strength. He was born March 27, 1987.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Patton lived with quiet depth, steady purpose, and a profound love of learning. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech, and completed his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan—a place he held dear. Go Blue!

Patton’s academic journey took him from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where he met the love of his life, Colleen Stuart – to the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. He was a cherished member of the international scientific and engineering society, The Combustion Institute, and a generous academic with a natural ability to connect people across the institutions he served.

In 2017, Patton joined the faculty of Michigan State University and made the Advanced Diagnostics and Combustion Lab his second home. As an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at MSU, Patton led distinguished research in combustion science and propulsion. In addition to being a brilliant researcher, he was a beloved teacher, a role he fulfilled with great purpose. A two-time recipient of the Withrow Teaching Award, he inspired his students with clarity, compassion, and a deep commitment to their success.

Patton was deeply involved in student life and mentorship. He served as a faculty advisor to the Michigan State Rocketry Club and was an active supporter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Through these roles, he helped build inclusive, hands-on learning communities and inspired the next generation of engineers to dream bigger and reach higher.

In addition to his academic achievements, Patton faced the extraordinary challenge of battling metastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer. Despite his diagnosis at such a young age, and while raising a young family and working toward tenure, Patton continued to approach life with immense courage, grace, and determination. His strength throughout this journey was a testament to his resilience, and he faced each day with a fierce commitment to his family, his work, and his love of life.

Patton and Colleen married on August 29, 2015, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Their son, Henry Manuel Allison, was the light of Patton’s life, and he was a devoted and joyful father—present, patient, and endlessly proud.

As a family, they cherished travel and making memories together—visiting Disney World and Disneyland, and spending meaningful time with loved ones in Ohio, Florida, and California. Patton delighted in seeing the world through Henry’s eyes, sharing in the magic and wonder of each new experience. Whether exploring castles, riding rollercoasters, or simply being together, these moments were treasured.

Patton also loved to cook, and he brought creativity and care to every meal. He and Colleen shared a special trip to Norway and embraced a spirit of curiosity and connection wherever they went. Patton had a quiet joy about him, a calm presence that made others feel at ease, and a deep generosity of spirit that left a mark on all who knew him.

Patton cultivated a rich network of friends around the world—colleagues, fellow adventurers, kindred spirits—drawn together by his sincerity, curiosity, and quiet sense of humor. He often said he hoped Henry would one day learn a thing or two about science from them, just as they had learned from each other. Patton also dreamed that Henry would share in his and Colleen’s love of travel, including one day walking the streets of Cambridge and reliving some of the special moments they had as a family there.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Patton’s medical teams for their exceptional care. Special thanks go to Dr. Daniel Isaac, Dr. Merryl Varghese, and the dedicated nursing team at McLaren Greater Lansing 7 West—Alan, Kris, Emily, and Brian. The family is also deeply grateful to the oncology teams at the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Hospital, as well as the hospice team from Elara Caring. In his last days, your expertise and compassion meant more than words can express.

In honor of Patton’s life, the family invites you to raise a glass of scotch—a favorite of his—in celebration of his warmth, his wit, and the camaraderie he cherished with friends and loved ones.

Patton is survived by his wife, Colleen Stuart, and their son, Henry Manuel Allison; his parents, Charles and Alba Allison of North Miami, Florida; his aunt, Charlene Ganotes of Nipomo, California; his cousins, Anthony De La Cruz of Grover Beach, California, and Jeannette De La Cruz of Arroyo Grande, California. He is also survived by Colleen’s parents, Anthony and Joyce Stuart; her sisters, Megan and Fiona Stuart; and his cherished niece, Ruby Grace Stuart-Brown. Patton leaves behind a wide community of friends, students, and colleagues who will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and quiet strength, and who will carry forward his knowledge and passion for life that he so generously shared.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing, MI 48823. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing in Patton’s memory.

Patton lived with grace, taught with care, loved deeply, and faced life’s greatest challenges with unshakable bravery. He was cherished beyond measure—and he will be profoundly missed.