Rev. Dr. Roger D. Patton

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Patton, of Waukesha, died on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the age of 79. He was born in Independence, IA on July 21, 1936 the son of James E. and Gladys (nee Utley) Patton and grew up on a farm in Delaware County in Iowa. On August 21, 1958, he married Mary E. (Gibbs) Patton; she preceded him in death on February 10, 2014.

Roger was a man of strong faith and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Dubuque, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for football and wrestling. He went on to Princeton Theological Seminary where he received his Bachelors of Divinity and finally to McCormick Seminary in Chicago where he received his Doctorate of Ministry. Along the way he earned an additional Master’s Degree from the University of Dubuque Seminary in Sacred Theology. Ordained in 1960, Roger served as the pastor of several Presbyterian churches, including the First and Second Presbyterian Churches of Oxford, NJ, Olivet Presbyterian in Cedar Rapids, IA, First Presbyterian in Jamaica, NY (Established 1662), First Presbyterian in Wellsboro, PA, and Vernon Presbyterian in Big Bend.

Roger was instrumental in starting affordable senior housing projects in Cedar Rapids, IA and Jamaica, NY. Both Geneva Tower and Conlon LIHFE Towers stand today. His ministry at Vernon Presbyterian included starting a preschool and daycare center that has served many local children.

Roger was very concerned about civil rights and served on the board of the NAACP in Jamaica, NY in the 1970s and made his first visit to Milwaukee to march with Father Groppi in the 1960s.

Roger was dedicated to his community and served as the District 11 Alderman of Waukesha for the past five years.

He will be sadly missed by his children, the Rev. Lori Patton of Milwaukee, Rachel Patton of Milwaukee and Benjamin Patton of Waukesha, his brother William U. (the late Janice) Patton of Storm Lake, IA, and his niece, Rev. Dr. Mary Patton Baker of Wheaton, IL. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the 2:00 p.m. memorial service at First Presbyterian Church, 810 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. Nicole Farley will preside. Private interment will be held at Vernon Presbyterian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to First Presbyterian Church Waukesha Elevator Fund.

Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, Crematory and Preplanning Services is honored to serve the family. For further information, please call the funeral home at 262-547-4035 or visit our website at www.randledable.com for directions or to leave the family an online tribute message.