Lost But Not Forgotten

November 25, 2015

An explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, Sgt. Daniel J. Patron proudly wore the uniform of the United States Marines until he was killed on Aug. 6, 2011, while serving his third tour of duty, defusing a roadside bomb in Sangin, Afghanistan. He was 26 years old.

Those he left behind — his wife, parents, a brother and sister-in-law, many relatives and countless friends — have dedicated themselves to telling Dan’s story, celebrating his life and preserving his memory.

In 2013, Frank and Kathy Patron established the Sgt. Daniel J. Patron Memorial Fund to honor the memory of their son who died while bravely defending his country in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. The fund will support scholarships for Perry High School students.

Dan’s dream of being a U.S. Marine began at Perry High School so Frank and Kathy wanted to honor their son’s memory by helping other Perry Local Schools students achieve their goals. The Patrons turned to Stark Community Foundation to help them keep Dan’s legacy alive and give back to the community he loved.

A member of the Class of 2003, Dan was the star of his high school musical and excelled as a drummer in the Panther’s marching band. Dan composed a number of cadences for the Perry High School drum line, some of which are still used today. He returned to Perry High School in 2006 to dedicate the Perry Veteran’s Memorial, helping unveil the bronze statue and performing with his alma mater’s marching band during the ceremony.

Dan’s name was etched on the wall of fallen EOD Marines at Eglin AFB. A portion of Route 172 between Perry Drive and Jackson was named for him. His brother, Matt, produced a film titled, “Collecting Sgt. Dan,” to chronicle his life and share memories. This year, family members of a Marine who served with Dan honored his memory and raised money for the Sgt. Daniel J. Patron Memorial Fund by running a “Tough Mudder” race as a team called “Lost But Not Forgotten.”

Sgt. Dan Patron lived by the U.S. Marine’s motto, “Semper Fidelis.” By partnering with Stark Community Foundation, the Patron family knows that young people at his alma mater will be provided with funds to pursue their dreams and that members of the community will always be faithful to the memory of Sgt. Dan.