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In Memory of

Robert S. Patton

September 10, 1949 - January 20, 2023
From: Gowrie, IA

Robert Patton
Robert S. Patton
Born: September 10, 1949 Died: January 20, 2023 Age: 73

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    Bob Patton, 73, Gowrie, died January 20, 2023 at the Paula J. Baber Hospice Home, Fort Dodge, Iowa.

      Robert Stephen Patton, son of James and Annice Patton, was born September 10, 1949, in Fort Dodge. He graduated from Prairie High School in 1967 and attended the University of Northern Iowa. In 1971 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and spent 20 years as a member of the Singing Sergeants, based in Washington, D.C. During his military career he performed in all 50 states and over 20 foreign countries. Bob retired from the military in 1991 and returned to Gowrie, where he was editor and publisher of the Gowrie News. The newspaper was owned and published by the Patton family from 1899 until 2011. Bob performed for many years as a vocalist with numerous organizations, including the U.S. Air Force Band, Karl L. King Municipal Band, Fort Dodge Area Symphony, Iowa Veterans Band, Dorian Opera Theatre, Stars Over VEISHEA, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and many other musical groups.

      Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Vogt; daughter, Stephanie MacAdam and her husband, Jeremiah, Towson, Maryland; grandchildren, Bailey Zdebski, Noah and Rowan MacAdam; sister, Janelle Willis, Aplington, Iowa; brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Deb Patton, Nevada, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

      No services are planned. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

SERVICES
No services are planned. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 7:31 PM
“My wife, Pat, and I had the pleasure of enjoying the excellent vocal tones of Bob at two concerts in Des Moines several years ago. Bob took the time to speak to us after both concerts. Although Bob impressed us with his wonderful singing craft, we were equally impressed with his strong sense of humanity. Bob began writing us regularly and always included a CD or two with his letters. We were honored to know such a tremendous person. We are proud of our collection of thirty one of his CDs. We have his music to enjoy for the rest of our lives. I have always said that as long as a person's memory lives on in others, they are not truly gone. ”
- David Spence Fischer
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at 2:09 PM
“For 3 years in the 80s, I sang soprano in the choir at Foundry United Methodist Church where Bob was the baritone soloist. Over the years, I have Googled him just to keep up, and am beyond saddened to learn of his very untimely passing. Spirits & talents like Bob's should be eternal right here on earth.

He had a wonderful repertory of jokes and of course that rumbling baritone that made recessing with him a whole body experience. But my most vivid, characteristic memory of him rehearsal on the first really warm spring day. Bob was "a hairy man" & when he showed up in shorts & a light shirt, the sopranos & Altos were ready sighs & mild catcalls, oohs & aahs, to which he would respond jovially.

It's hard to imagine the world without him.”
- Mary Chione
Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 6:15 PM
“Bob was the baritone soloist at Foundry United Methodist Church in DC. I was hired in 1987 as the soprano soloist and along with Debbie Wittrup and Bobby Baker, we made a lot of music together with Eileen Guenther and the Foundry Chancel Choir. "Bring him home" was one of Bob's specialties, and he always made me cry when he sang it. He was a force of nature - RIP, Bob.”
- Susan Bender
Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 4:25 PM
“Bob was a talented model for me as a vocalist. I enjoyed his performances with the Iowa Military Veterans Band. I also enjoyed his performance as Tevye in the Stars Over VEISHEA production of Fiddle on the Roof, for which I played accordion in the pit. May he rest in peace. --Emil Polashek, another vocalist with the Iowa Military Veterans Band.”
- Emil Polashek
Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 3:45 PM
“This is so very sad, and I am devastated! Bob and I go back to the summer of 1967 at UNI, and we had remained friends ever since. After he had enlisted with the US Air Force and sang with the Singing Sergeants, we would meet when they were in the San Francisco Bay Area. We would also meet whenever I returned to Iowa or concurrent with my high school reunions in Waterloo. Bob always had me in stitches with his rapid-fire jokes, and he had me enthralled listening to him sing. Bob was humble, friendly, and kind. In short, Bob was a good man. The world is diminished with his passing. ”
- Jim Wong
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 6:34 PM
“My sympathies to all of the family on the death of a loved one. I too lost my husband and daughter, just 22 1/2 months apart. It is not easy, but we carry on. You too will find the strength to carry on. The pain gets less, but never leaves us completely. I am Deb’s Mother and we think a lot of Scott.”
- Marie Bleile
Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 6:47 PM
“Nancy and Family,

I am so sorry to hear about Bob. I think of him every week when I do newspapers at work.
I loved when the press was running and he would start singing to the beat of the press. It was amazing to hear him sing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Bobby, You will be missed! I know you are singing with Elvis and the angels…. Beautiful choir, for sure!
”
- Marvella Johnson
Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2:43 PM
“So sorry for yor loss. Knew Bob and Nancy thew the newspaper. And his folks too.
Our deepest sympathies. ”
- Jean Birkland
Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 1:59 PM
“I have many memories from my childhood spending time with Bob and Nancy with my parents. I can still smell the scent of Bob’s bouillabaisse when I think about it. I got to see some of the best of SNL (featuring Eddie Murphy and Dan Ankroyd) from his meticulously organized VHS collection. He had the best jokes and it was always fun to be welcomed to their house. We traveled to see him perform throughout his singing career and I will always be extremely grateful he was able to sing at our wedding. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob, Nancy and the many friends and family that he leaves behind. May he live long in each of your memories. ”
- Julia Cliber

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