Father Mel Patton, who helped at Fort Knox, dies

Benedictine Father Mel Patton, 93, a monk and priest of St. Meinrad Archabbey, died Sept. 6 at the St. Meinrad Monastery Infirmary.

Father Patton, a native of Fairview Park, Ohio, served as an infantryman during World War II. He received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

He professed simple vows in 1953 and solemn vows in 1956. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1956.

He primarily ministered in education and music. He had assignments as director of retreats and director of public relations and also served as the community’s organist. He taught English at St. Meinrad High School and College for 28 years.

In the Archdiocese of Louisville, he provided weekend assistance to soldiers at Fort Knox, Ky. In 2010 he returned to St. Meinrad to reside in the infirmary.

The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Archabbey Church Sept. 10. Burial was in the Archabbey Cemetery.

The Record
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