Obituary of Michael Clarke Patton

Michael Clarke Patton, 63, of Maplewood, New Jersey, passed away at his home on Friday, June 20, 2014, of renal cell carcinoma. Michael was the beloved husband of Cynthia Zimpfer; father of Annabelle, Michael Casey, and Donovan; and father-in-law of Jacqueline. He is also survived by his father, Lyle Patton; two sisters, Robin Ingela-Arkell and Susan Patton; and five grandchildren. Michael was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 3, 1951, to Lyle and the late Ramona Clarke Patton. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1973 (BA engineering) and the University of Utah in 1975 (BS meteorology). He was a captain in the United States Air Force, flying as a meteorology officer during the Vietnam War. In 1987, Michael graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a master's degree in architecture. He worked as a structural specialist for FEMA in New Orleans; Orange County, New York; eastern Iowa; northern California; and, following hurricane Sandy, Queens and Brooklyn. He loved helping families and businesses get back on their feet after natural disasters. Michael was a devoted father, avid sailor, enthusiastic golfer, and zealous Denver Broncos fan. A funeral service was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Maplewood on Tuesday, June 24. Michael will be buried at the Zimpfer family plot in Troy Mills, Iowa, on Sunday, June 29. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Cancer Association (www.kidneycancer.org) would be appreciated. For more information or to send condolences, please visit www.jacobhollefuneralhome.com.