Gary Ragon Patton

Gary Ragon Patton, 77, of Wooster, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at his home on land that has carried the Patton family name for more than 100 years.

Gary was born on February 13, 1949, in Conway, Arkansas, to the late John R. Patton and Clara Patton. He was the only child of his parents and was raised with a deep appreciation for family, faith, hard work, and the land he loved so dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents; grandchild, John Talin Patton; and wife of 7 years, Orlene Patton.

A proud graduate of the Greenbrier High School Class of 1967, Gary went on to further his education at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Also in 1967, he attended Missouri Auction School, a steppingstone that would later serve him well in his lifelong work with livestock and agriculture.

From a young age, Gary developed a passion for cattle while showing livestock through FFA and 4-H. That love for farming and ranching would remain one of the greatest joys and defining parts of his life. His early career began with Moro Road Construction before serving in the Army National Guard from 1969 until 1975.

In the fall of 1971, Gary began working at Arkansas National Stockyard where he managed the feed store, worked in the cattle auction, and served as a order buyer. His knowledge, honesty, and dedication quickly made him a respected name among cattlemen throughout the state.

In November of 1980, Gary went to work for the Arkansas Forestry Commission, where he remained until his retirement in 2006. Even through his forestry career, Gary’s devotion to agriculture never slowed. The Patton farm was always a place of pride, purpose, and enjoyment for him.

Gary devoted countless hours to strengthening the future of agriculture in Faulkner County and across Arkansas. In 1989, Gary and Jim Baker founded the Faulkner County Junior Livestock Auction, a project in which Gary took tremendous pride for many years which he served from the very beginning, helping support and encourage generations of young exhibitors.

His leadership within the cattle industry was widely recognized. Gary faithfully served the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association in numerous capacities and was honored with the President’s Award for Outstanding Service in 2013. He went on to serve as President of the Association from 2015 - 2016, a role that reflected the respect and trust cattlemen across the state had in him. In 2015, he was also recognized as Faulkner County Farm Family of the Year. Gary continued his commitment to Arkansas agriculture as a appointed member of National the Beef Council from August 2017 until March 2020.

Gary was also the first Member of LifeSong Baptist Church, where his faith remained an important foundation throughout his life.

Gary will be remembered as a man whose roots ran deep — in his faith, in his family, and in the Arkansas soil he worked for decades. He was known for his tireless work ethic, his love for cattle, and the friendships he built with people all across the state.

He is survived by his son, Todd (Tammie Dawn) Patton; daughter, Jennifer (Daniel) Merritt; three grandchildren, Coltin (Taylor) Patton, Olivia and Addison Merritt; four great-grandchildren, Talin Faye, Jagger, Blakely, and Baylen; extended family Donna (Jason) Harris, Diana (Randy) Duncan, Shawn (Misty) Martin and their children and grandchildren along with many cousins and countless friends whom he cherished.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of service, stewardship, and family devotion that will not be forgotten.

Visitation will be 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at LifeSong Baptist Church.

Funeral will be at 10:00am on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at LifeSong Baptist Church with Brother Freddie Mark Wilcox officiating and burial following to Pleasant Valley Cemetery. 

Pallbearers: Hunter Martin, Hadley Martin, Hayden Martin, Holden Martin, Bobby Harris, and Cody Lewis

Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Baker, Eddie Glover, Ted Battles, Ronnie Rainey, Ronnie Garrett, and Sam Martin