(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)
July 8, 1942 - July 27, 2026
Glen Kenneth Patton, lovingly known to family and friends as "Shorty" and "Papa," graced our lives with his love, laughter, and unforgettable presence until the Lord called him home on Monday, July 27. He spent his final days surrounded by the family and friends who loved him deeply, offering comfort and companionship until his last breath.
True to the very end, Shorty remained unapologetically himself—a man whose personality could fill any room. As a child, he attended Eagle Picher Elementary and North Junior High.
On December 7, 1960, Glen proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Culinary Specialist in Tripoli, Libya, for 15 months. His talent in the kitchen quickly earned the admiration of both the troops and officers he served. When it came time for Glen to leave the Army, the General for whom he had cooked personally presented him with a stripe in recognition of his exceptional dedication, skill, and the care he showed through every meal he prepared. His family will forever miss his cooking, but they find comfort in believing the Lord needed a personal cook in Heaven.
Throughout his working years, Glen built a reputation as a hardworking and dependable man. He worked for American Fixtures beginning in 1965, Vickers from 1970 to 1972, Oldham Sausage and RB Rice in 1977, Hiland Dairy from 1979 to 1990—where he proudly earned the reputation as the fastest milkman in the state—and later Snyder Construction until his retirement in 1999.
Shorty loved life and the simple joys it offered. He especially loved crappie fishing, his favorite pastime, as well as playing dominoes and hustling anyone brave enough to challenge him to a game of pool. You always knew when Shorty had arrived—not because you saw him, but because someone would inevitably shout, "Shorty!" He also enjoyed golfing, playing shuffleboard with his buddies, and spending time with the people he loved most.
Glen was the proud father of six children: Frankie Vail, Kenny Patton, Rusty Patton Rogers, Christine Perry, Travis Forsythe, and Troy Forsythe. He was also blessed with many grandchildren and extended family members who adored him and whose lives were forever touched by his love, guidance, and sense of humor. Those who held a special place in his heart include Crashawna Butler and her husband, Ryan; Nitasha Reynolds; Taunya Perry; Derrick Perry; Rebekah Patton; Tyler Landon; Hope Forsythe; Christopher Shane; Tim Evansco; and many others whose lives were enriched simply by knowing him.
He is survived by his siblings, Bob Patton, Rick Patton, and Debbie Allen.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Patton; his sons, Frankie Vail and Kenny Patton; and his grandsons, Chase Allen Perry and Daniel Ray Patton.
Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by hard work, faithful service to his country, generous love, unforgettable stories, and a smile that could brighten any gathering. Shorty's legacy will live on through the family and friends who will forever hear someone call out his name and smile, remembering the remarkable man behind it.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Good Shephard Hospice in care of the mortuary.
Visitation
Thursday, July 30, 2026
5:00PM - 6:00PM
Mason - Woodard Chapel
3701 E. 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801
Service
Friday, July 31, 2026
10:00AM
Church of Christ 26th and Connecticut
Address Not Available
Officiant: Paul Walvoord
Interment
Friday, July 31, 2026
11:00AM
Belfast Baptist Cemetery
13951 Heron Dr
Neosho, MO 64850
Glen Kenneth Patton, lovingly known to family and friends as "Shorty" and "Papa," graced our lives with his love, laughter, and unforgettable presence until the Lord called him home on Monday, July 27. He spent his final days surrounded by the family and friends who loved him deeply, offering comfort and companionship until his last breath.
True to the very end, Shorty remained unapologetically himself—a man whose personality could fill any room. As a child, he attended Eagle Picher Elementary and North Junior High.
On December 7, 1960, Glen proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he served as a Culinary Specialist in Tripoli, Libya, for 15 months. His talent in the kitchen quickly earned the admiration of both the troops and officers he served. When it came time for Glen to leave the Army, the General for whom he had cooked personally presented him with a stripe in recognition of his exceptional dedication, skill, and the care he showed through every meal he prepared. His family will forever miss his cooking, but they find comfort in believing the Lord needed a personal cook in Heaven.
Throughout his working years, Glen built a reputation as a hardworking and dependable man. He worked for American Fixtures beginning in 1965, Vickers from 1970 to 1972, Oldham Sausage and RB Rice in 1977, Hiland Dairy from 1979 to 1990—where he proudly earned the reputation as the fastest milkman in the state—and later Snyder Construction until his retirement in 1999.
Shorty loved life and the simple joys it offered. He especially loved crappie fishing, his favorite pastime, as well as playing dominoes and hustling anyone brave enough to challenge him to a game of pool. You always knew when Shorty had arrived—not because you saw him, but because someone would inevitably shout, "Shorty!" He also enjoyed golfing, playing shuffleboard with his buddies, and spending time with the people he loved most.
Glen was the proud father of six children: Frankie Vail, Kenny Patton, Rusty Patton Rogers, Christine Perry, Travis Forsythe, and Troy Forsythe. He was also blessed with many grandchildren and extended family members who adored him and whose lives were forever touched by his love, guidance, and sense of humor. Those who held a special place in his heart include Crashawna Butler and her husband, Ryan; Nitasha Reynolds; Taunya Perry; Derrick Perry; Rebekah Patton; Tyler Landon; Hope Forsythe; Christopher Shane; Tim Evansco; and many others whose lives were enriched simply by knowing him.
He is survived by his siblings, Bob Patton, Rick Patton, and Debbie Allen.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sharon Patton; his sons, Frankie Vail and Kenny Patton; and his grandsons, Chase Allen Perry and Daniel Ray Patton.
Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life well lived—a life marked by hard work, faithful service to his country, generous love, unforgettable stories, and a smile that could brighten any gathering. Shorty's legacy will live on through the family and friends who will forever hear someone call out his name and smile, remembering the remarkable man behind it.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Good Shephard Hospice in care of the mortuary.
Visitation
Thursday, July 30, 2026
5:00PM - 6:00PM
Mason - Woodard Chapel
3701 E. 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801
Service
Friday, July 31, 2026
10:00AM
Church of Christ 26th and Connecticut
Address Not Available
Officiant: Paul Walvoord
Interment
Friday, July 31, 2026
11:00AM
Belfast Baptist Cemetery
13951 Heron Dr
Neosho, MO 64850
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