Dennis Marvin Patton of Vernon, Florida, went home to be with the lord on August 20, 2012 at the age of 74. He was born in Puente, California to Clifford and Bessie Patton July 10, 1938. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Flora "Pat" Patton, their son Richard and his wife Christiana and his grandsons Christopher Lee Patton and Robert Lee Patton, one sister Aletha Churchwell and her husband J.W. of Little Rock, Arkansas, two brothers Larry Patton and his wife Sandy of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Philip Patton and his wife Nan Sea of Pearce, Arizona, one sister-in-law Wanda Patton of Springville, Indiana, and various nieces and nephews. Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Maurice Ivan Patton and Leroy Vinton Patton. Dennis loved his country with a passion. He enlisted in the Navy as a youth and retired in 1980, after 22 years of service. He and Pat moved to Vernon, Florida in 1981 where he was an active member of the Fleet Reserve Association, The American Military Retirees Association, and the Disabled American Veterans Association. Dennis was a member of Esther Lodge of Bonifay #114 Free and Accepted Masons of Florida. He was a member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite Masonic organizations as well as a Shriner. In addition to his love for his country, Dennis loved to teach. He taught electronics at the Washington-Holmes Technical Center for 16 years where he retired in January 1998. After this, he taught as a substitute teacher in Washington County Schools for another seven years. Dennis was a Godly man. He served as a member of Shiloh Baptist Church for 23 years where he held several positions including Deacon for 19 years, a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the choir, and Discipleship Training Leader. Dennis was known throughout his life as being a man who enjoyed the company of others. He went out of his way to make sure that those he loved knew they could depend on him. He always had a smile or a story to tell and continuously placed others before himself. His legacy will be remembered in the tales and acts of kindness that he performed until he was no longer able to do them. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at Shiloh Baptist Church and the Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 P.M. Reverend Tim Patton and Reverend Tim Brigham will be officiating. Interment will be right after the services in the Shiloh Church Cemetery with Brown Funeral Home of Chipley directing. The family request that in lieu of flowers donations or contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Children's Home in Tallahassee. Friends and family may sign the online register at www.brownfh.net