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Helen Patton sang for USO, operated tax business with her husband

Born to Fred and Tina Heathman, the third of six children, Helen Patton was born in LaHarpe, KS on April 24. Helen spent her entire childhood in LaHarpe and graduated from LaHarpe High School. After high school Helen was ready to move on to the next stage of her life.

From the 1942 to 1947, Helen was a professional singer for the USO, during which she sang for soldiers in the hospital and had “so much fun” doing so. Her next job was for the State of Kansas as a typist. During this time met her soon to be husband Robert C. Patton while he was attending Kansas State University. Robert asked Helen’s roommate out on a date and when Helen answered the door, Robert fell in love. They were married on December 21, 1947.

Both Helen and Robert operated a tax business together. “He was my best friend, we were such a good team together.” Helen says that Robert spoiled her, which she didn’t mind. The two traveled the states, visiting such places as Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone Park. In 1980, they moved to Beautiful Howard Colorado. This is where the two discovered one of the most shocking pieces of wood that they have ever seen. While jeep riding, they found an old saw mill and one nice piece of wood. They decided to take it home with them and make a bench with this it. Once they brought it home, it was laid up against the garage for later use. That night, a rain shower hit Howard, and washed up one nice surprise. It was a grave marker! From what they could determine, it belonged to a woman named Ellen Smith who died in 1914. Out of respect, the bench was never made.

Robert and Helen have two children, Robert C. Patton Jr. and Janise Patton Enterkin and five grandchildren. Helen is very proud of her of the grandchildren. Robert, Helen’s husband passed away in 1999. Helen moved from Colorado to Presbyterian Manor of Newton in 2002. She lives in a cottage and enjoys it here very much.

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