Kevin Matthew Patton

Kevin Matthew Patton, a Christian minister and devoted servant of the Lord, went to his great reward on Monday, March 5, 2018. The Nampa, Idaho resident was 59. Kevin, the fourth of Philip and Rita Patton’s seven children, was born in Santa Barbara, CA. on December 28, 1958. He attended Washington Elementary School, La Cumbre Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School. His beloved father died of cancer when he was only 12 years old, and the loss took an immeasurable toll on him. He struggled with alcohol and drugs into early adulthood, but was mentored by a dear man, Brother Charles, and was reborn on New Year’s Day, 1991. From then on, he dedicated his life to spreading Jesus Christ’s word of love and forgiveness, and helped countless souls along the way. Kevin earned his divinity degree and served his first pastorship in Sonora, CA. until the death of his youngest sister, Maureen, in Naples, FL. After giving a heartfelt and inspiring eulogy at Maureen’s service at Restoration Church in Naples, he was persuaded to join that church’s staff as an assistant pastor in 2004. He accepted the position so he could live close to his mother and younger brother, Sean, although he long pined for the Sierra Nevada Mountains. “I miss the tall pine trees and the cold clean rivers,” Kevin once wrote on his Facebook page, “but you can’t complain about sunshine year round in America’s tropics.” He regularly preached in the jails of Southern Florida, telling of his own struggle and triumph over drugs and alcohol. Kevin, a skilled tradesman, also went to earthquake-ravaged Haiti several times to dig water wells … and preach. He filled a 10,000-seat stadium in Port-au-Prince with those who hung on his every word. Kevin’s spirit overflowed with laughter and kindness and love, and he swept up thousands in that embrace. He became his mother’s care-giver for several years when she took ill, describing it as “one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had,” until her death on January 21, 2012. Eventually, the call of the mountains was too much to resist. Kevin moved to Idaho a year and a half ago to be closer to his siblings. “Love to ride horses, walk and swim with my black lab, Hannah,” Kevin wrote on his Facebook page. “She is a great swimmer. Loves the water. I like sunny days, but also like cold days too. Love the snow.” He was setting up his new ministry when he passed away unexpectedly. Kevin is survived by his dear dog Hannah as well as four siblings: Greg (Christa) of Boise; Mark (Theresa) of Goleta, CA.; Sean of Naples, FL., and Colleen (Stephen Campbell) of Colorado Springs, as well as by six nieces and one nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Rita Patton, and by his sisters Maureen and Therese. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to The Phoenix, 511 S. Americana Blvd. Boise, ID 83702 or www.thephoenix.org . The Phoenix provides a sober active community to people recovering from drugs and alcohol. They offer free programs seven days a week. A private celebration of life will be held for close family and friends on Monday, April 9, 2018 at 6pm.