Diane L. Patton

Diane Lee Bauer Hanson Patton, (80) of Indianapolis, IN was born in Corsicana, TX while her mother, Margaret L. Bauer was visiting her father, George L. Bauer who was serving in the military, stationed in TX during World War II.  The only child of this union, Diane grew up in West Chicago, IL.  1LT George Bauer, a U.S. Army Air Corps P-47D Thunderbolt pilot, died in the service of his Country flying combat missions over Germany in March 1945.

As a child, Diane was a good student who loved school and met the Lord at an early age while attending Catholic grade school in West Chicago, IL.  She was a 1961 graduate of West Chicago Community High School (WEGO).  After graduation, Diane studied for two years at the University of Wisconsin (Madison Campus) majoring in Applied Math and Engineering Physics where she met and married Charles G. Hanson.  From WI, the family moved to Kokomo, IN and eventually settled in Carmel, IN.  To this union were born two daughters, Julie Anne Hanson (Riggen) and Laura Lee Hanson (Whitlock).

Deciding to be a stay-at-home-mother, Diane enjoyed helping at Church and being with her children while they were in school.  After her divorce, she went back to complete her education by enrolling in the Purdue School of Construction Technology at IUPUI.  As the top student in her class in both the associate and bachelor’s Degree programs (graduating with distinction), Diane earned her associates degree in Applied Science – Civil Engineering Technology and her bachelor of science degree in Construction Technology from IUPUI in December 1992 and May 1995, respectfully.  While at IUPUI, Diane met James E. Patton who was a faculty member in the Construction Technology Department.

On 08 August 1998, Diane and James were married.  They shared nearly 25 wonderful years together making their home in Indianapolis, IN.

During her working life, Diane held many different jobs.  In Indianapolis, she was a Claims Clerk for several local Insurance Companies including Foremost Insurance, Statesman Insurance, and Hadley-Mahoney Insurance.  Thereafter, she worked as a Secretary for the American Cancer Society (Indianapolis, IN).  After graduation from IUPUI, she joined the Construction Technology Department as a Senior Administrative Assistant until her retirement in Jan 2007.

Diane was an avid scrapbooker and a very talented photographer.  A true highpoint came when she had 8 pictures accepted for display at the Indiana State Fair.  Of those she submitted, she was awarded a Blue Ribbon and an Honorable Mention Ribbon.  A true, devoted cat lover, she also had a passion for horses.  Diane also enjoyed sightseeing and traveling, attending the Indiana State Fair and eating out a variety of restaurants.

Preceded in death by her father, George, stepfather Harvey Koester, and her mother Margaret Koester, left to mourn her passing is her husband James E., her children Julie and her husband Lyle Riggen of Dwight, IL, and Laura and her husband Brian Whitlock and grandchildren Olivia Lee and Sarah Lee Whitlock of Highland Park, IL; and a host of cousins, nephews, friends and relatives.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, from 4 pm to 7 pm, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road. An additional Visitation will be on Friday, July 28, from 10 am to 11 am, with a Funeral Service to follow at 11 am, at the same location. Diane’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution in Diane’s name to the American Cancer Society.