There will be calling hours for Ernest A. “Sonny” Patton, Jr. on Friday, October 8, 2010 from 6 until 8 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Mr. Patton died quietly in his sleep at home on October 2, 2010 with his loving wife by his side. He was 80 years old. A private family committal will be held at a later date at the Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Patton lived his entire life in Gouverneur. He was born on March 19, 1930 to Ernest and Ruth (Hope) Patton. He married Alice Sterling on November 11, 1949 with the Rev. Harold Thomas officiating. The couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last November with family and friends.

Ernest worked for 37 years for St. Joe Minerals, retiring in 1986 as a foreman. Not really liking retirement, he then worked for General Crushed Stone in Ogdensburg for 10 additional years. He was a charter member of the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad and a longtime member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge.

For many years, Ernest enjoyed attending auctions, playing cards, and taking long drives with his wife and border collie, Lady. In later years, he spent his time watching old Westerns, “supervising” his sons in the garage, visiting with family and enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his large family.

He is survived by his wife Alice; three sons, Michael and wife Tammey, Richard and wife Susan, and Bruce; two daughters, Linda Storie and husband Dan, and April and companion Don Peck, all of Gouverneur; 15 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Gloria Andrews; a sister-in-law, Jenny Patton of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, William; and a sister, Geraldine Donaldson.

Mr. Patton’s family requests that donations be made to the North Gouverneur Methodist Church, in lieu of flowers.