Douglas Bernard Patton (88), affectionately known as “Sonny,” hailed from Richwood, Texas. He passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Gulf, Texas, on August 27, 1936, to Bernard and Ruth Frances Livingston Patton, Douglas’s childhood was steeped in the vibrant Industrial Boom of 1940s Freeport, Texas. He cherished recounting tales of those youthful days, hunting along the riverbanks and the thrill of racing his motorcycle through town. A rebellious jokester at heart, Douglas enjoyed the playful pranks he pulled on poor, unexpecting Henry Antonelli, the proprietor of Antonelli’s Root Beer Stand, begetting Douglas’s lifelong fondness for Mr. Antonelli and his shop that he would never forget. Indeed, years later in life, Douglas could be heard remarking while enjoying his lifelong favorite drink, root beer, “It’s good, but not as good as Antonelli’s.”
During his time at Brazosport High School, Douglas met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Hughes. They eloped as teenagers, embarking on a 55-year journey that began in Freeport and later led them to Richwood, where they lovingly raised their three daughters, Karen Sue, Cynthia Ann, and Sherri Lynn.
Working as a mechanic during high school, Douglas’s industrious spirit was evident from a young age. Shortly after graduating and following in his father’s footsteps, Douglas joined Jefferson Lake Sulfur Company. When the booming Dow Chemical Company beckoned, Douglas seized the opportunity, dedicating 40 years as a pipe fitter crew leader. Through the years, Douglas often spoke of his Dow crew with admiration and respect, always proud of the accomplishments they achieved as a team. Douglas’s drive extended beyond one single career. He assisted his father in drilling water wells, earning his own driller’s License in 1980. Patton Water Well became a fixture in Brazoria County, successfully drilling over 250 wells. His weekends were a testament to his boundless energy, working as a deckhand on fishing charters, hunting deer and dove, meticulously rebuilding diesel engines, customizing his drilling rig, or casting nets from his shrimp boat. In “retirement,” he found solace and joy tending to his cattle on his land, finding peace under the shade of his pecan trees. Douglas lived by a personal mantra: “Get up every day with intention. Accomplish no less than three significant tasks each day – and never forget – one of those tasks needs to be something you just don’t want to do. That’s the secret to a successful life.” Douglas was a dutiful, driven, and hardworking man, forever devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed.
Douglas leaves a legacy of love and hard-earned accomplishment. He is survived by his children, Karen Low and her husband Terry; Cynthia Harbison and her life partner Wayne Crain; and Sherri Stanford and her husband John. Douglas is also survived by his grandchildren, Stephanie Bradshaw (Mike); Cari Newby (Shane); Bryan Thomas (Glenn Lenard); John Haagensen (Brit); Kristin Hawkins (Jesse); Dr. Brooks Harbison, Beau Harbison (Grace), and Bradie Harbison. He cherished his 14 great-grandchildren, and other extended family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Ruth; his sister; Barbara Ann Patton; his beloved wife, Ruth Ann Patton; and his grandson, Barrett Hayes Harbison.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Stroud Funeral Home in Clute. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Restwood Cemetery in Clute.
Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”