Remembering Doug Patton: A Legacy of Love and Engineering

News Summary

The community of Novi, Michigan, mourns the loss of Doug Patton, a beloved engineer and family man, who passed away at 69. Doug’s passion for engineering, love for his family, and commitment to education left an indelible mark on those who knew him. His legacy will continue through his contributions to the automotive industry and the lives he touched.

Remembering Doug Patton: A Legacy of Engineering and Family Love in Novi

The heartfelt community of Novi, Michigan, is mourning the loss of a truly remarkable man. Doug Patton, a cherished engineer and enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the age of 69. His impact on family and friends will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

A Family Man Through and Through

For 44 wonderful years, Doug stood as a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Suzanne Patton. From their joyful years building a life together, their bond only grew stronger with time. Doug was more than just a husband; he was also a proud father to his two children, Amanda Hulbert and Ryan Patton. Amanda’s husband, Jeffrey Hulbert, and Ryan’s partner, Thomas Qualls, were embraced as part of the family. As a grandpa to Miles and Cora Hulbert, Doug was known for his playful spirit and loving heart—two qualities that made him the ultimate grandparent.

Doug’s parents, John and Geneva Patton, sadly predeceased him, leaving behind cherished memories for everyone who knew him.

From Troy to Triumph

Originally hailing from Troy, Illinois, Doug’s journey began with an education at Bradley University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977. His quest for knowledge continued as he pursued an MBA, which he completed in 1984. Doug kicked off his impressive career at Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois, where he worked tirelessly from 1978 until 1986. It wasn’t long before he made the move to Michigan, where he rose to prominence at DENSO International America.

In his role as Executive Vice President of Engineering and Chief Technology Officer, Doug shaped the automotive industry with innovation and excellence until his retirement in 2019. He was deeply passionate about engineering and dedicated his time to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), even stepping into the president’s role in 2017. His commitment to the field was recognized when he was honored as a Fellow by the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD).

A Heart for Education and Community

Doug was not just an engineer; he was a devoted advocate for education. His time spent on the board for the DENSO Foundation exemplified his commitment to improving education quality, serving as president from 2011 to 2018. He believed that a solid education opens doors, and he worked hard to make that a reality for many.

Living for the Game and the Garden

When he wasn’t engineering innovative technologies or supporting educational initiatives, Doug was often found donning his Cardinals cap. A true fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, he attended spring training games in Jupiter, Florida, for over twenty years. Doug’s dedication to the game and his team was infectious, bringing joy to those around him.

Doug also had a green thumb, often immersed in his garden, tending to a variety of plants that flourished under his care. His love for gardening added a new layer to his vibrant personality, allowing him to nurture life in many forms.

A Final Farewell

To celebrate Doug’s life, a visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Harry J Will Funeral Home located at 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. On Wednesday, April 9, an in-state visitation will take place from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 39200 W 12 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48331, followed by a funeral service starting at 10:00 a.m.

In honor of Doug’s legacy, contributions can be made to Cardinals Care, 700 Clark Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63102. This will not only keep his memory alive but also support a cause that he cherished deeply.

Doug’s presence will be sorely missed, yet his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

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Additional Resources

• Dignity Memorial: Doug Patton
• Wikipedia: Doug Patton
• Detroit Free Press: Doug Patton
• Google Search: Doug Patton
• Hometown Life: Doug Patton
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Doug Patton