Thomas Wellington Patton

Thomas Wellington Patton, 88 of Knoxville, passed away January 7, 2022. Tom was born and raised in Lawrenceburg, TN. Upon graduation from high school he joined the US Navy in 1951 and served nearly four years on the USS Midway, USS Valley Forge and USS Bennington. His meritorious service during the Korean War earned him the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal and the China Service Medal.

Tom left the Navy in 1955 and traveled to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee on the GI Bill. He was a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, receiving his law license in 1961. Tom worked at TVA and in private practice before becoming a staff attorney at the Tennessee Department of Transportation until his well-earned retirement in 1995.

Tom began what would become a life-long hobby of Historical reenacting in 1988 at the Battle of Gettysburg 125' Anniversary event. For over 30 years he portrayed an American frontiersman, an Indigenous Mohawk Indian and a Civil War medical officer in events all over the Southeastern US and a few venues in Nova Scotia. Tom was well versed in the intricacies of early American life and could discuss any topic, from politics to corner cupboards with a unique and often very humorous viewpoint. He was quite known for his gregarious storytelling.

Tom is predeceased by his beloved wife Lucie Patton (nee Searle), Married in the early 60's they spent 31 wonderful years raising two sons, reenacting as a family, cheering on bicycle motor cross, football games and showing prize winning German Shepherds. Tom remained a widower after Lucie's passing, proudly declaring, "Once you've loved the best, the hell with all the rest."

Tom is survived by two cherished sisters, Ann Patton of White Plains, NY, and Nancy Patton of Nashville, TN, with whom he shared a strong life long sibling bond; sons Thomas H. Patton of Murfreesboro and William S. Patton (Audrey Tolar and children Zach Tolar and Leah Evans) of Knoxville, and his many friends and fellow reenactors whose lives he influenced over the years.

In remembrance of Tom, the family requests that donations be made to the Fort Loudon Association,

to support the Park's mission to preserve and promote the rich history of our region. Dad loved Fort Loudon, and even after he retired the rifle and breechcloths, he would attend events and garrison weekends as he could.

Fort Loudoun State Historic Area

338 Fort Loudoun Road

Vonore, Tennessee 37885

Services will be private.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Deane Hill and Caris Hospice for their attentive and compassionate care of our Father.