Connie Patton

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Wade Williams, EOC Project Director kindly wrote the following tribute to Connie.

“Educational Opportunity Center, TRIO, and Crowder College lost a dear friend this past weekend. Connie Patton, 68, passed away a 1:45 p.m. on Sunday October 30, 2022, at her home in Fairview, Missouri.

As a single mom, Connie started Crowder as a student in 1994 and participated in SSS and was a student worker for the IT Department. After Crowder, Connie completed her bachelor’s degree from MSSU and taught for AEL part-time. In 2002, she was hired as an Educational Access Advisor for EOC where she worked nearly 20 years and retired December 2021.

 

Connie touched the lives of so many people during her time at Crowder and throughout her life. She truly loved the work that she did and the people she was able to serve. Connie was known throughout the area for her knowledge, expertise, and her passion for serving students. As a single mom and TRIO product herself, she knew how important her work in EOC was.

In 2001 Connie was instrumental in facilitating the return home of her uncle, MIA Army veteran and fighter pilot, William Patton Jr., who was killed in an airplane crash in France during WWII.

She was born January 19, 1954, in Neosho, Missouri to the late Keith and Mildred Pauline (Kimbrough) Patton.

Survivors include her son Nathan Pahal; one brother, Gary Patton and his wife, Ginny of Shreveport, Louisiana; and her Crowder Family.

Connie is preceded in death by her oldest son, Keith Pahal and her brother, Darrell Patton.

Arrangements have been conducted by the Clark Funeral Home in Granby, Missouri. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with expenses.