Bells, Texas -- Dr. Markham Louis Patton of Bells, Texas, passed away Monday, August 27, 2018 at Texoma Medical Center after a short illness.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Bells.  Burial will follow at Carson Cemetery in Ector, Texas.  The family will receive friends for a visitation at First United Methodist Church of Bells on Friday, August 31, from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  You may sign an online register at www.mullicanlittle.com.

Dr. Markham Louis Patton was born on June 28, 1943 in Amarillo, Texas to Dr. David Markham Patton and Gladys (Jones) Patton.  He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1961.  He was involved in the ROTC and enjoyed being a lifeguard. 

Markham graduated from Texas A&M University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science.  He also was a member of the Corps of Cadets.  In 1968, he received his Master's Degree in Education from the University of Houston.  In 1977, Markham earned his Doctorate of Psychology degree from North Texas State University.

Markham felt called to serve and help others his entire life.  He used his degrees for his passion of helping others.  After a brief time working in Texarkana, he moved his family to Booneville, Arkansas.  He worked on the Booneville Human Development Center campus as a clinical psychologist, then later as the Assistant Superintendent.  Markham was a member the First United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club, both in Booneville. 

This bigger-than-life Aggie felt the call home to Texas and moved his family again, this time, to Bonham, Texas in 1986.  He was the Director of Mental Health Services for the MHMR Center for Fannin, Grayson, and Cooke counties.  He retired in 2006.

Markham was fortunate to marry for love twice.  He married Suzanne Palumbo on September 11, 1965.  She preceded him in death on March 1, 2000.  He then met and married Brenda Barker on June 21, 2003. 

On a personal level, Markham was active in the First United Methodist Church of Bells.  He also served on the Texas Vital Care EMS board for many years.  Markham was also a member of various Masonic orders.  He was given “The Knights of York Cross of Honor.”  It is bestowed on York Rite Masons who are dedicated to serving the Masonic Fraternity as a Labor of Love.  Markham was a member of North Texas Priory #73 in Sherman, Texas.  He was also the “Noble Preceptor” in the York Rite Sovereign College, North Texas #118 in Sherman, Texas. He was a Scottish Rite 32° Mason as well.  In the Bells Blue Lodge #798, Markham served as Worshipful Master.  He had also served as the Worshipful Master in the Ector Masonic Lodge.

He enjoyed reading and spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.  He was a die hard Aggie and would leave the room during the 4th quarter as to not jinx his beloved Aggies.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Patton; father in-law, OV Barker; and first wife, Suzanne Palumbo.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 15 years Brenda, of the home; daughter, Melissa and husband Dean Flyger of Bells, Texas; grandchildren, Suzanne Carol Flyger and Frederick Markham Flyger of Bells, Texas; brother Carl Patton and partner George Baden of Alexandria, VA; sister-in-law, Sherry Patton of Lewisville, Texas; nephew David Patton and wife Tamara Patton of Minneapolis, MN; extended family and a host of friends, along with fraternal colleagues.

Donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Bells, TX or the Bells Masonic Lodge #798 - OV Barker Scholarship Fund.