Jerry Patton

It is with a deep sense of honor and a personal sense of loss that I share the passing of Gerald "Jerry" Patton.&emsp;&emsp; Jerry was born in 1936 in Beaverton, Oregon, to Alice and Joseph Patton. Later, Alice remarried Roy Morgan, who filled the patriarchal role in Jerry's life. Jerry graduated from Hillsborough High School, where he met Betty. He later attended college in San Francisco and, upon graduating in 1956, moved to Auburn, where he lived the rest of his life.&emsp;&emsp; From the moment he arrived in Auburn in 1956, followed by his forever wife Betty, Jerry became an integral part of the Auburn community. His entire career was spent as a local funeral director which in the early years included driving the community ambulance and filling the role of Placer County Deputy Coroner. He supported countless families and others during some of the most difficult times of their lives. He was perfectly suited for the role, knowing instinctively when to be serious, focused, and understanding, contrasting with a natural sense of friendliness, humor, and bits of appropriate adventure and unruliness.&emsp;&emsp; When asked why, with so many career paths open to a man of his talents, he chose the funeral profession, his answer was simple: "To assist friends, families, and others at the time they need it most." Even amid chaos or grief, Jerry projected calm control—a quality that also made him a formidable poker player. With his ever-present sense of humor, Jerry sometimes jovially sidestepped small talk. For example, when asked the question, "What do you do for a living?", he would sometimes answer, "I deal in small plots of land." To say Jerry was active in Auburn is an understatement. He was a reoccurring thread in the fabric of the community. He was a member and often a leader of organizations such as Auburn 20-30, Downtown Rotary, the Auburn Planning Commission, the Freemasons, the Shriners, AFCOR (Auburn Fan Club of Oakland Raiders), the Auburn Valley Country Club, and the Tahoe Club. He was a founder of the long since retired Auburn Sports Night Dinners that always included local favorites from teams like the Raiders, 49'ers, A's and Giants. He served on the Board of Placer Savings and Loan and was deeply involved in many youth-centered initiatives. A cherished chapter of his life included time spent at the family cabin in Plavada Woodlands, a vacation community popular among Auburn residents. Here, again, Jerry built lasting friendships and played a leadership role. The success Jerry and Betty shared and derived from Auburn wasn't quantifiable. It was an inherent richness found in their friendships and dedication to community. They thrived in an era where people prioritized friendship, respect, community and collaboration – what can we do together and for each other. That contribution translated to pride of ownership in a strong, vibrant, and bonded place to call home. Jerry and Betty made Auburn their home. Along with their many peers, they fostered the kind of small-town American culture that artists and filmmakers often try to capture but rarely succeed. At just 57 years old, Jerry suffered a massive stroke-the greatest challenge of his life. It left him partially paralyzed and forced him to relearn even the most basic skills, from speaking to using a fork. But he faced it all with determination. In time, he walked again, returned to work, traveled, and continued to bring joy to those around him. His sense of humor and resilience never wavered, and his biggest joys still included a poker game with friends. In recent years, Jerry resided at Auburn Ravine Terrace Skilled Nursing, where he once again became a source of light and leadership. He formed strong bonds with the staff and residents, sharing his trademark friendly demeanor and wit. We extend heartfelt thanks to the Auburn Ravine Terrace team for the compassion and dignity they showed Jerry when he needed it most. He would want them to know how deeply he appreciated their care. Over the years, Jerry and the Patton family have been supported by many – too many to name. Jerry would not have thrived as he did without you. He would not want his memory shared without expressing sincere thanks to each of you. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, daughter Susie and brother Joe. He is survived by his son Jeff (Sheri) and grandchildren Breanne and Jeffrey. Jerry and Betty will be laid to rest together in the New Auburn Cemetery. No services are planned at this time.