CHAPEL HILL – Robert F. Patton, a World War II veteran and long time Chapel Hill resident, passed away on April 11.  He was 91 years old. Patton was recipient of the WCHL Village Pride Award for being a Hometown Hero.
“He was a good guy. He stayed busy in the community and working for veterans,” said friend and fellow veteran Lee Heavlin.

Heavlin is the American Legion Chapel Hill Post Commander; he remembers Patton as a champion for his fellow veterans.

“He found ways to make sure that people don’t forget that there are veterans in our town who are quietly working as civilians now and how much they did for us while in service,” Heavlin said.

Patton was worked with holocaust survivors, in particular survivors of the Nazi Death Camp in Mauthausen, Austria. He also received the Legion of Honor from France.

“He spoke for the Holocaust Survivors and was part of the Chapel Hill-Durham Holocaust Speakers Bureau. I’ve received a couple of emails from people here in Durham who remember him speaking and helping others,” Heavlin said. “He will be missed.”

Patton served in the United States Army in the 65th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

Service Information:

– Graveside service and inurnment is scheduled for April 20th, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery.

– A memorial service will be held at Patton’s church, University Presbyterian Church, on April 27th, 2013. at 11 a.m.