In Memoriam: John Patton

PARKMAN, Ohio - John Patton, longtime leader of Patton Pest Control, Novelty, Ohio, and a former president of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and the Ohio Pest Management Association (OPMA), passed away on April 22. He was 74.

A graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, Patton returned to the family business upon graduation and became president of Patton Pest Control in 1985, following the passing of his father, John. In addition to building a successful business, Patton was active in associations, serving as president of both NPMA and OPMA.

Industry consultant Bob Kunst served as NPMA president just prior to Patton’s term. During Patton's presidency (1997-1998) he helped promote NPMA’s newly created joint state membership program. “John probably attended 50 to 60 percent of all state meetings where he would bring up the subject of joint membership,” Kunst recalled. “He was tremendously proud to be NPMA president and he really worked hard at it.”

Steve Scherzinger, Scherzinger Pest Control, Cincinnati, worked closely with Patton both at OPMA and NPMA. “John worked tirelessly for the industry,” Scherzinger said. “He was doing it to improve the industry, but also to improve his company because he knew all the benefits that he got out of NPMA resources and training materials, and interacting with other people. And John didn’t just serve on committees – he led them.” Scherzinger added that Patton continued to attend OPMA board meetings even after he had mostly stepped away from the business.

Mike Rottler, president of Rottler Pest Solutions, St. Louis, became acquainted with Patton first through NPMA and later as part of Associated Services, a peer group of family-owned and -operated regional pest control companies. “John was very, very supportive of young people involved in the industry,” said Rottler. “As a younger member, if you would speak up and share an idea, he wouldn’t shoot it down, but instead would say, ‘That sounds interesting, let’s talk more about it.’ And that is what the whole concept of Associated is about - to develop each other and elevate the industry.”

Patton Pest Control is led today by John’s daughter, Molly Marsh, who serves as CEO.

Patton is survived by daughters Jennifer (Jeffrey) Ker of Brentwood, Tenn.; Molly (Michael) Marsh of Auburn Twp,. Ohio; Mary Patton of Parkman, Ohio; and numerous other family members. He is preceded in death by Pattie, his wife of 45 years.

Calling hours will be held at Sly Family Funeral Home, 15670 West High St., Middlefield on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday May 4, 2024, from noon until the Celebration of Life at 1 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Overlook Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nelson United Methodist Church, PO Box 210, Garrettsville, OH 44231.

Additional source: www.slyffh.com