10/30/2025
Elmer William Patton, 80, of Wynne, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Born on April 13, 1945, in Wynne, Elmer was the son of the late William Earl Patton Sr. and Cozette Vance Patton. He was preceded in death by his sisters Joyce Sue Brand, Patty Lou Green, Sheila Nadine Nance, Rheba Nell McDonough, and infant brother “Spanky.” He is survived by his brother, Marvin Earl Patton of Auburn, Alabama.
On December 26, 1964, Elmer married the love of his life, Charlotte Adams Patton, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. He is also survived by his children, Sherry Spencer (Verlon), Chris Patton (Sherry), and Tim Patton (Misty) — all of Wynne; six grandchildren, Trey Spencer (Charli) of Farmington, AR, Cade Spencer (Emily) of Amory, MS, Tori Patton of Jonesboro, AR, Tate Patton of Wynne, AR, Ava Patton of Conway, AR, and Jackson Patton of Wynne, AR; and three great-granddaughters, Hadley Jane Spencer, Kenli Ann Spencer, and Emmri Lynn Spencer.
Elmer was a man who lived simply and fully, he embodied the spirit of craftsmanship, dedication, and love for the outdoors. He was a man who could take a simple piece of wood and, with his hands and imagination, turn it into something extraordinary. What started as a personal passion in the early 1990s grew into Crow Creek Bows, a business he built from the ground up in 2005. His bows weren’t just tools; they were works of art. They were known across the country for their beauty, precision, and quality, admired by hunters and archers everywhere. People would say his bows might cost a little more, but they were worth every penny, because they were made with heart, skill, and pride.
He loved to hunt with family and friends, and there was nowhere he felt more at peace than in the great outdoors. Even when his health began to limit what he could do, he never lost that spark. You’d still find him cruising around on his golf cart, checking on things, visiting with neighbors, and staying connected to the world he loved so much.
He had many passions, from building and flying RC airplanes to coaching Little League baseball, and he always found joy in watching a good ball game or spending time at Mozart with family and friends. His imagination never stopped working; he was always dreaming, building, or tinkering with something new.
Above all, he loved his family and friends deeply. He lived his life with heart, humor, and a deep appreciation for simple pleasures, good company, fresh air, and the satisfaction of creating something with his own two hands. His legacy will live on not only through the bows that bear his craftsmanship, but through the countless memories he left with those lucky enough to know him.
“His hands found peace both in the stillness of the woods and in the careful work of his craft.”
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 1st, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ridgeview Baptist Church-999 US-64, Wynne, AR 72396 Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the church
In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to – Lewis Cemetery Maintenance Fund P.O. Box 94, Hickory Ridge, AR 72347 or Ridgeview Baptist Church 999 Hwy 64 Wynne, AR 72396.
