Gary Lee Patton, 55 of Batesville, son, brother, and friend passed away after a long and valiant fight. Gary’s long struggle with many medical issues is well known. What you may not know is that throughout every struggle he had, every battle he fought, he took the challenge head on and won every single time with his inner strength and heart. Gary had a passion for life that few achieve.
He was a talented artist that many families and friends were recipients of his handmade cards and pictures. A lover of music, 80s of course, and all movie genres kept him busy most nights as he was a night owl due to working night shift most of his adult life. Gary was an avid Bear Cats fan and did not miss watching many games in front of the TV hollering at his team. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast. For each of these things he not only showed his passion but would strive to understand and have a more intimate knowledge. Later in life he would spend many nights in front of the television watching Wheel of Fortune and then Jeopardy with his mom while eating dinner. Something many do not know of his love of Pepsi and Reese Cups. He never drank anything but Pepsi and would always have frozen Reese Cups in the freezer.
Those who knew Gary were very aware of his sense of humor. Having three sisters, he would never shy away from making one or more of them a target of a prank or victim of his sarcasm. He loved his nieces and nephews dearly and enjoyed spending time with them and making sure they knew although they may topple him in height, he was still the boss. Joking aside, Gary loved his family and cared deeply for his mom and sisters but had room in his heart for others as well. Gary had bonus families that loved him like their own (the Miller, Townsley and Wickens families).
Gary’s cat, Merlin, was his child and he treated him as such. Merlin left this world before Gary, but you know they are together now rolling on the floor playing.
Gary is survived by his mother, Carolyn Patton (nee Stewart); three sisters, Sherri Wanstrath of Batesville, IN, Shelly Martin (Steve) of Greensburg, IN and Shouna Muckerheide (Chris) of Batesville, IN; step-mother, Martha Patton; along with his nieces and nephews, Greg, Meghan and Matt Wanstrath, Sarah Johnston and Emily Martin, and Cy and Sydney Muckeheide; plus one great-niece, Adrianna Norlock.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Patton; maternal grandparents, Jessie and Bessie Stewart; paternal grandparents, John (Jack) Patton and Dorothy Patton-Varnilli.
A celebration of life in Gary’s honor will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at the Batesville Christian Church with visitation from 2-4 and Service of Remembrance from 4-5pm.
Memorials in Gary’s name may be given to the American Leukemia Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Meyers Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please feel free to leave a memory or a message of comfort for Gary’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.