Louis Sanford Patton, Sr., who preferred to be called Louie, grew up in South Los Angeles and was the oldest son to his beloved mother Lee Versie, and father James. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, George.
Musically, he began at age five with piano lessons. When he was eight years old he began playing the clarinet and singing in the choir at his school and church. By the time he was 15 he had learned to play the saxophone and bassoon. Then came high school, where he excelled at track and field. He won countless medals and trophies. After high school he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war.
Louie was one of the founding members of the R & B group Side Effect. The group recorded Jazz, funk, disco and pop music from 1972-1982.
Louie was a singer, song writer and arranged music. Some of his professional accomplishments include session work with the Drifters, Marvin Gaye, Leon Haywood, Ronnie Laws and many more.
A supportive and loving father, Louie is survived by his five children, including Kiahnna Patton and Louis Patton, Jr. He had his youngest sons Kiarri, Armon and Talaun Patton with his late wife Deborah Reynolds.
Louie was a beloved grandfather to Noah, Sophia, and youngest grandson, Myles Patton.
He will be eternally loved and missed dearly by his family and friends.
