Vernon "Vern" Jeffery Patton was born January 14, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio to Billie (Brinegar) Burton and Vernon "Joe" Earl Patton. He died January 25th, 2026, at St. Charles Hospital in Oregon, OH, after a brief illness.

Vern served in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Mate from 1975-1980, stationed aboard various vessels including the destroyer USS EDSON and at several shore locations including San Diego and later, Newport, Rhode Island and Surface Warfare Officers Command as an instructor.

After his military service, Vern was hired by Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in Oak Harbor, Ohio, beginning a career that spanned over 44 years. Vern worked his way up from a licensed steam engineer at Davis-Besse to Fire Protection Specialist to Fire Marshall. He became an expert in nuclear fire prevention, suppression and risk assessment, and eventually provided professional consultation on complex response situations including response to the World Trade Center disaster in New York City and the Fukushima Daiichi event in Japan.

As part of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WAPO), Vern crisscrossed the U.S., Canada and France providing inspections and risks assessments for nuclear power plants. Vern was passionate about fire protection and developing fire safety and suppression standards for the nuclear industry and other commercial applications. Vern pioneered and patented a computer system that improved fire safety in nuclear power plants by assessing risk and guiding safer work practices.

During his career Vern served as chairman of the Nuclear Industry Region III Fire Protection Organization, as a committee member on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and advised congressional leaders and nuclear regulatory agencies on issues surrounding nuclear power safety.

Vern retired in May 2024.

Throughout his lifetime, Vern quietly did purposeful, thoughtful, things for others and volunteered his skills in meaningful ways. Vern served as a Volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) for the Northwood fire department in Ohio, was a member of the Oregonian Club civic organization in Oregon, Ohio and volunteered the Oregon Health and Welfare Christmas Basket program.

He always arrived at family functions with a well-stocked cooler, extra snacks and ordered countless late-night pizzas during gatherings. He enjoyed quizzing nieces and nephews about science and history and handing out $2 bills for correct answers. Vern was masterful at handling stressful tasks to make things easier on others and spoiling his sisters-in-law. He was a stable, loving family member with a pleasant temperament and good humor. When asked "how are you, Vern?" He had one answer, always said with a chuckle. "I'm perfect."

More than anything else, Vern enjoyed spending time with the love of his life, Yvonne Thoma-Patton. He supported her in her many endeavors and adventures, including recently agreeing to move back near her family homestead in Monroe, Michigan where they remodeled a family home together and kept a garden, greenhouse and honeybees.

Together, they enjoyed traveling, birding, serving as volunteer campground hosts at Maumee Bay State Park, volunteering with the Friends of Maumee Bay State Park, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory and for the Michigan Fireman's Memorial Festival committee each September.

Vern enjoyed researching scientific topics, reading science fiction and appreciated simple decadence. He enjoyed collecting art, fine wine, star gazing and a good glass of Kentucky bourbon.

Over their 22 years of marriage, Vern treated Yvonne's sons as his own. He was a trusted mentor and handed out sage advice. He was a beloved husband, brother, son, uncle, brother-in-law, co-worker and friend.

In addition to his wife, Yvonne, Vern is survived by his stepsons Brandon Nagley (Jennifer Raymond), Reed (Liz) Nagley, brothers: Ron (Shelia) Patton, Michael (Tonya) Patton, Marc (Nydia) Patton as well as Joshua Patton and Mark Patton.

Donations may be made in Vern's honor to Oregon Health and Welfare Christmas Basket program at: https://donorbox.org/oregon-health-and-welfare-christmas-baskets-2 or by check to PO Box 167853 Oregon Ohio 43616 or the Oregonian Club at PO Box 167453 Oregon, OH, 43616.

The family also encourages people to donate blood through the American Red Cross or other blood bank.

Made of atoms and guided by curiosity, Vern now belongs to the stars. He will be missed forever.

A celebration of Vern's full life will be held in summer, 2026.