A Family and Close Friends Graveside Celebration of Life service for John “Arnold” Patton, 88, of Brownfield, Texas, will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Meadow Cemetery with Pastor Danny Sanders officiating. A Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Brownfield Funeral Home.

Arnold passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026. He was born on September 23, 1937, in Meadow, Texas, on the family farm, back when the doctors still made house calls.

He graduated from San Angelo College in 1957, where he was a member of the San Angelo Rams men’s basketball team. That team made history by winning the program’s first and only national championship in 1957. During his time at San Angelo, he immediately earned the nickname “Goose,” a name that stayed with him throughout his life—so much so that many knew him only by that name. He went on to continue his education and basketball career at Texas A&I University, where he played two additional years and earned a degree in Physical Education with a minor in History. 

Beyond basketball, Arnold had a passion for speed. He spent time as a dirt track race car driver at the Lubbock dirt racetracks, even racing alongside his daughter, D’Lynn—another true Patton speed enthusiast. Over the years, he won numerous trophies, which posed a challenge in finding space for them all at home. Arnold dedicated his professional life to farming as a cotton and peanut farmer, while also working as an agricultural pilot. His skill and dedication in aviation led to him being named “Pilot of the Year” by the Texas Agricultural Aviation Association in 2000. 

In addition to his agricultural flying, he also spent six years piloting a privately owned jet. Arnold was widely respected and deeply valued as both a farmer and a beloved member of his community. Arnold enjoyed playing golf—highlighted by three holes-in-one—each while playing with his son Britt, and additionally liked hunting and fishing with family and friends. He also took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting endeavors, whether in person or from afar via Facebook, YouTube, or other social media platforms. He was an avid supporter of Texas Tech athletics, especially women’s basketball. He had a fondness for old Western television shows—the older, the better—and color was certainly optional. 

Arnold was known as a true “gentle giant,” showing kindness not only to family and friends but also to complete strangers. Even in difficult times, it was rare to hear him speak negatively about anyone… except, perhaps, a coach or referee who treated his kids or grandkids poorly during their time in sports. 

From his hospital bed, Arnold reaffirmed his faith, professing his belief in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, with the help of his nephew, Jody Thornton, over the phone, truly a blessed moment!

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Audry Patton of Meadow, Texas; his brother, William Preston Thornton of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and his daughter, D’Lynn Patton Sires of Brownfield, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Frances Burnett; his son, Britt Patton and wife Blaire of Colleyville, Texas; his sister, Runez Pruitt of Collinsville, Texas; and his grandchildren, Jordan, Callan, Jaxon, Leighton Patton, and Brock Sires; and other family and friends.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society for all of the fine work they do in the kindness they show people in need.