State Representative John Patton Dies

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Sheridan Republican lawmaker John Patton, who had been hospitalized since having a stent inserted to open a blocked artery in mid-February, has died.

Lawmakers were notified of Patton's death on Sunday. He was 84.

Patton served in the House in 1961 and 1965, in the Senate from 1967 to 1971 and returned to the House in 2009, where he served through this year. He fell ill on Feb. 17 and remained hospitalized in early March while battling a respiratory infection. He was unable to return to the legislative session, which ended March 6.

Patton chaired the House Education Committee this year and sponsored a bill that will allow the Wyoming State Board of Education to spend money to review the Next Generation Science Standards.