He was born in Jefferson City to Linus Henry Patten and Alice Marie Kirkweg Patten. His father survives in St. Martin. He was married on August 28, 1993 in St. Martins to Patricia Christina Lyming who survives at the home. Other survivors include a son, Justin Allen Patten, at home; his grandmother, Rose Kirkweg, Jefferson City; two brothers, Rick E. Patten, St. Joseph; and Terry L. Patten, Taos; and two sisters, Joyce M. Weider, Centertown; and Janet R. Moore, Russellville. He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church; Painters and Tapers Local 1185, Columbia; and the National Rifle Association. Memorials are suggested to the Justin Patten Education Fund. He was employed with Cargill, Inc. California, from 1992 to 1996, and was currently a plasterer with Braun Plastering Co., Inc., where he had been employed since 1996.