Orval adopted by his grand-father, James Wiatt Patton and second wife, Ellen (Stokes) Patton. Buried in MT. Zion Cemetery, Hardin Co. IL

Hardin County Independent-30 August 1917

Orval Patton, who since early spring has been canvassing for the yeast foam company, returned to this county for examination of our local examining board. he intends remaining with his step-mother, Mrs. Ellen Patton on her farm near MT. Zion unless called into military service.

To the Hardin County Independent 24 December 1919

Dear Sir:

Just a few lines to notify you that I have changed my address and I wish you would change the address of my paper. I have been receiving the Independent every week here of late and believe me, I am sure glad to get it.

They have transferred me around so much since I have been over here that there are none of the Hardin County boys left with me. I have been reading some of the letters that the boys wrote from over here that you have been publishing in the paper about "Sunny France". I have been all over this country and I have never seen the sunshine for over one hour at a time since I have been over here, the rest of the time it has been raining.

Corp. O.E. Patton

Co. K 1st Tr. Regt

2nd Dept Div A P.O. 916

A.E.F. France

Hardin County Independent

Orval Patton and Miss Estelle McDowell were married last Wednesday night at Aunt Ellen Pattons. They tried to have a quiet wedding but there was a singing at Baugher School house where Orval found Millard Oxford and when he called him out, the crowd followed them and after the wedding Aunt Ellen gave them a nice supper. "The Gleaner"

Orval Patton and Estelle McDowell surprised their many friends by driving to Mr. Patton's home Wednesday night and getting married. They were married by M.F. Oxford. We join their many friends in extending congratulations. "In the Bend'

OBITUARY

Orval Esdon Patton, son of the late Mrs. Elmer Oxford and adopted son of the late J.W. and Ellen Patton, was born February 29, 1896, near cave-in-Rock, Ill., and departed this life February 8, 1962, at the age of 65 years, 11 months and 8 days.

He was united in marriage to Estelle McDowell, December 14, 1921. To this union were born five children, Faye, Wanda, Gathel, Melba and Bobby who died at the age of two years.

Orval was a life long resident of Hardin county, in which he was born, a veteran of World War I, and a miner and farmer until illness forced him to retire.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loyal and devoted wife; one son, Gathel Patton, of Dixon, Ill., three daughters, Faye Edmondson and Wanda Fawk, of Dixon, Ill., Melba at home and nine grandchildren. There are four brothers, Theadore Oxford, Ridgeway, Ill. Selby of Flint, Mich., Raymond of Harrisburg, Ill., and Lowell, Cave-in-Rock, two sisters, Hester Lackey, Roxanna, Ill., and Ruby Anderson, Shawneetown, two aunts, Phoebe Blaine, Cave-in-Rock and Lizzie Brownfield, Oak Lawn, Ill. and a host of friends whom he honored very highly.

God, our refuge and comforter, helps those who weep for their loved ones. No more pain and sorrow will he know, but peace and happiness with those who have gone on before him.

Life is uncertain, but death is sure;

There are mysteries we can't understand;

But the Death Angel will come

To claim the soul of each one

When the Master gives the command.

Our loved one is gone, we'll miss him so much,

We'll miss his clear smile and his kind gentle touch.

But since his work here on earth has all been completed

He's taking a rest that he has long needed.

===========================

Card of Thanks:

We wish to thank those dear friends who so kindly gave their assistance during the illness and death of our husband and father. We would also like to thank Minerva Mines, Mt. Zion church, Cave-in-Rock American Legion and World War I Barracks. Your kindness will never be forgotten

The Orval Patton family.

Taken from the Hardin County Independent