Mr. Charles Henderson Patton

LFD/Emb Founder, 1924 - 2001

Mr. Charles Henderson Patton, LFD/Emb was a highly respected man, a businessman, but most of all he was a Child of God. Mr. Patton was the proprietor of Patton Funeral Home in Cleveland, Tennessee. He started Patton Funeral Home in January 1962 and Patton Funeral Home is still in business.  Mr. Patton got the idea of becoming a mortician after he had to wrap and bury a friendthat was killed during World War II. After the war, he went on to Gupton-Jones Mortuary College, where he spent two years and received his DMS Degree.  After receiving his degree, Mr. Patton worked as an embalmer for several funeral homes. Subsequent to this time he partnered with Marquis D. Dotson, Sr. in Athens, TN in the fifties where they operated a business called Dotson-Patton Morticians.  After the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Patton chose Cleveland, Tennessee because there was not a Black mortician locally.  As he was trying to get his business started, he had applied for a loan and was denied because of the color of his skin, but by the Grace of God, Patton Funeral Home was established in 1962.

Mr. Patton's brainchild was realized with the support and love from his mother, Mabel Patton and  brother, Robert Louis Patton and wife Annie Patton.

Mr. Patton is fondly remembered for calling those he liked and served "Dub". He is characterized by his unselfish attributes and sincere desire to help the families who entrusted their loved ones in his care. Today, we continue to uphold this mantle of excellence as we serve our families with professionalism, enthusiasm and Christian virtues. Patton Funeral Home is built on the foundation of SERVICE. 

Mr. Charles Henderson Patton's advice to those that want to start your own business is:

1. Find a good location for the business

2. Determine how much investment will be needed         

3. Keep good records at all times

4. Have a good accountant

5. Buy only what you need

Brian L. Buckmon

LFD/Embalmer Owner

Brian L. Buckmon, LFD, Embalmer, LIA and Notary, is a native of Knoxville, Tennessee.  He is a graduate of Fulton High School, Class of 1984.  Brian has served as Manager of Patton Funeral Home since 2000 and is now the sole owner of said funeral home.  He has over 36 years of experience in mortuary science having graduated Mid America College of Funeral Service at the top of his class.  He received the college's "Bill Pierce Award" and served as the college’s Chaplin.  Also, while attending school, he was a Junior Artist of Pi Sigma Eta National Fraternity.

Brian is a retired U.S. Army veteran, who served with the U.S. Army during the Gulf War.  He was stationed at U.S. Army Mortuary, Frankfort, Germany and

later served as Mortuary Manager for the U.S. Army Mortuary in Vicenza, Italy for two and a half years.  His awards include Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal.

To his service and commitment, Brian gladly positions himself to engage, encourage and enrich others.  His past and present memberships in various organizations shines light on his character as a man, a father, a servant and a hard worker.

Member of the VFW2, DAV, Harmony Lodge No. 48 F&AM

East Tennessee Funeral Directors and Morticians Association

Board Member & Former President, Greater Knoxville Funeral Service Associates

National Funeral Directors Association

National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

Former President, Unity Mortuary

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated/ Iota Alpha Chapter

100 Black Men of Bradley County

Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce

Former President, MAPS Inc.

Mr. Buckmon is an embalming associate with Baldwin's Greater Knoxville Embalming and Shipping Service.

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