Donald Lee Patton

Donald Lee Patton, 80, of Harrisburg, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Donald was born on July 1, 1945, to the late James and Dorothy Patton. In June of 1972, he married the love of his life, the former Beverly McKnight, and together they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and family. A gifted athlete in his younger years, Donald graduated from high school in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was an all-star basketball player. He earned all-city honors and was recognized as one of the top players in the country, drawing significant collegiate recruitment. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy, spending two years aboard the USS Essex. After returning home, Donald and Beverly married and eventually made their home in Southern Illinois, a place they grew to love and where they built a life surrounded by family and friends. Donald was a hard worker and a dedicated businessman, owning and operating Patton Siding and Windows for many years. He took great pride in providing for his family through honest work and strong values. In his free time, Donald enjoyed playing pool and going hunting, but his greatest joy was time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished every moment with those he loved. Donald is survived by his wife, Beverly Patton of Harrisburg; his son, Jeff (Amy) Mullins of West Frankfort; daughters, Durlin Stokes of Texas and Shannon Patton of Harrisburg; brother, David (Mary) Patton of Godfrey; sister, Becky Moyer of Godfrey; grandchildren, Rhett of Thompsonville, Dirk and Mitchell of West Frankfort, Jesse of Benton, Cody of Marion, Dylan of Harrisburg, Joseph, Cole, and Sheridan of Texas; and 18 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his sister, Denise Palmer, and his special uncle, Ray Robbins. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. and continuing until service time. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com