Dexter Leon Patton

Dexter Leon Patton was called home unexpectedly on June 18, 2024 at the age of 72. Dexter was the first New Year's baby born in Stigler, OK on January 1, 1952, to parents Eliga and Ethel Irene Dilday Patton. His family moved to Ivanhoe, CA when he was two years old. He was raised in Ivanhoe, attended Ivanhoe Elementary and continued to Redwood High School where he enjoyed playing football. He graduated in 1971. Dexter met the love of his life, Carol Buckmaster, in youth group at Farmersville First Southern Baptist Church at a young age of 15 years old. Their love grew and they married on July 21, 1972. Following this union, they had two wonderful sons, Jeffery and Scott. Dexter was a terrific human being, if you needed anything he was there to help. He loved to travel with Carol, along with family and friends, going camping, spending time in the mountains in his fifth wheel or at the cabin. He loved his family and doing anything with his boys including coaching them in little league baseball. He was a big sports fan; he loved his Dodgers and 49'rs. Dexter never met a stranger; he found the good in everyone and always had a smile on his face. Dexter began his career working at Save-Mor Market in Ivanhoe, then onto Git & Go markets in Visalia. He spent most of his career doing route sales, starting with Rainbo Baking Company. He then owned a mini mart for a short time, then moved on to Mission Linen where he retired from in 2007. After retiring he worked seasonally for Delta Mosquito and Vector Control for an additional 13 years until 2020. Dexter was a member of Visalia Elks Local 1298, a past member of Visalia Moose Lodge and Teamsters Local 94. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carol Patton, his sons Jeffery Patton and daughter-in-law Leah, Elk Grove, CA, Scott Patton and daughter-in-law Leslie, Visalia, CA, and two grandchildren Quinn and Eliga of Visalia. Brothers Danny Patton (Mary), Sacramento, CA, Dennis Patton (Amanda) Tulare, CA, sister Diane Findley (Kevin) of Hinton, OK, brother and sister In-laws Frank and Jean Chesser, Gary and Cindy Buckmaster, Bobby and Deana Coburn, all of Visalia, 17 nieces and nephews, several cousins, and many friends. Celebration of Life to be held on July 10, 2024 at 10:00 am at Grace Community Church, 2525 S Lovers Lane, Visalia, followed by a luncheon. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Valley Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice. Services have been entrusted to Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salserandddillard.com

Dexter Leon Patton

January 1, 1952 - June 18, 2024