Steven C. Patton, known to friends and family as Steve, died unexpectedly on July 26, 2026, following a farm accident. He was 66 years old and lived in the Marshall community of Highland County, Ohio.
Born December 19, 1959, in Wilmington, Ohio, Steve was the son of the late Frank R. “Bud” and Eileen M. Patton. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1978 and went on to attend Southern State Community College.
On April 4, 1981, he married Lynne Stephens, who survives him along with their two daughters, five grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Steve was a longtime member of Good News Gathering, where he served in numerous roles over the years, including participating in several missionary trips to Haiti. He was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Highland County Fair Board and as part of the Highland County Cattlemen’s Association.
From Computer Forms to Cattle Farming
After finishing school, Steve took a job at Rotary Forms in Hillsboro, encouraged by his father to try work outside the family farm.
He thrived there, eventually moving to Highland Computer Forms under Phil Wilson, where he rose to become co-owner. Those who worked alongside him remembered his humility and his willingness to take on any task, no matter how small, while making sure his employees felt valued.
Despite his business success, Steve never lost his connection to farming. He carried on his father’s cattle operation, Patton Seldom Rest Farm, becoming a respected Limousin breeder.
He passed that passion down to his children and grandchildren, teaching them not just how to raise cattle, but how to treat the people within the industry with respect.
Steve was also an avid big game hunter, traveling across the United States and abroad on safari trips, where he collected numerous trophies over the years.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Good News Gathering, 6250 U.S. 62 in Hillsboro. A funeral service will follow that evening at 7 p.m. at the same location. Burial will take place Saturday at Marshall Cemetery, at the family’s convenience.
The family has asked that memorial donations be made to Good News Gathering in Hillsboro.
