BROWNWOOD – April 7, 2014 – With great sadness, Howard Payne University announces the passing of Dr. Mark Patton, professor of business administration. Dr. Patton succumbed to a lengthy battle with cancer on April 6, 2014. He was 59.
Dr. Patton is survived by his wife Dr. Lois Patton, HPU professor of business administration and director of the Master of Business Administration program, and the couple’s sons, Ryan and James, and their families.
“Hearts are very heavy on campus today, and they will be for quite some time,” said Dr. Bill Ellis, HPU president. “Mark was an irreplaceable part of the HPU family, and we mourn with Lois and their children.”
Drs. Mark and Lois Patton joined the HPU faculty in 2009. Dr. Mark Patton taught undergraduate and graduate courses in marketing, entrepreneurship and general business.
Throughout his illness, Dr. Patton continued to pursue his passion of teaching. He missed classes as little as possible, despite the toll cancer and chemotherapy treatments took on his body.
“Dr. Patton was greatly admired by the HPU faculty, staff and students who considered him a friend and mentor,” said Dr. W. Mark Tew, HPU provost and chief academic officer. “We take comfort in knowing that he is now restored to health and rejoicing in the Lord’s presence, and we ask for continued prayers for his family and friends.”
A private family funeral will be held in Tennessee. In lieu of cards and flowers, the family has requested that gifts be made to HPU in Dr. Patton’s honor.
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Photo cutline: Dr. Mark Patton (front row, third from left) poses for a photo last year with students in his Master of Business Administration class. At the end of the semester, the class honored him with a gift certificate for the Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast.