Roll Call Tribute

James Orris "J.O." Patton 

May 10, 1929 - February 5, 2025 

J.O. Patton was born in La Feria, Texas to William Palmer Patton and Emmett Rice Patton on May 10, 1929, and passed away in Denton, Texas on February 5, 2025, at the age of 95.

J.O. grew up in Pharr, TX, where he was active in the Boy Scouts and managed the high school football team and graduated from Pharr/San Juan Alamo High School in 1947. He then went on to attend Texas A&M College, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1952.

J.O. served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor. Following his discharge, he continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve and attained the rank of Captain.

In 1952, he married Beverly Chambers and they settled in Pharr, Texas. Together they raised four children, three sons and a daughter. In 1964, they moved to Richardson, Texas. He and Beverly divorced in 1977.

J.O. had a long career as a Professional Civil Engineer, most notably at the Texas Highway Department and Forrest and Cotton Consulting Engineers. He loved his work as an Engineer. He took enormous pride in designing and building roads, dams, airports, and other structures. He particularly enjoyed working outdoors in the field.

In 1978, he married Marian Stegall (47 years). They lived in Plano, Texas where he worked as an engineer and Marian continued her career as an elementary teacher. They retired and moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico. There they led an active life with church and friends. J.O. loved riding his bike and meeting up with his buddies. One year, they signed on as crew members and traveled around the world on a cruise ship. Their trip of a lifetime.

He is survived by his wife, Marian Patton, sons William Patton II (Lynette), Mark Patton (Jana) and James Patton (Ginnie), daughter Betty Lawson (Greg), 12 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and stepsons Scott, Mark and Penn Stegall.