Steve Patton honored posthumously for more than 40 years of service to the Highland County Fair and Agriculture

By Julie Bolender
Highland County Economic Development Director

The family of the late Steve Patton was presented with a posthumous proclamation recognizing his more than 40 years of dedicated volunteer service to the Highland County Fair Board, as well as his lasting contributions to the agriculture and cattle industries.

The proclamation was presented jointly by representatives of USDA Rural Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Highland County Board of Commissioners in recognition of Patton's extraordinary commitment to his community and to the agricultural industry of Highland County.

Throughout more than four decades of volunteer service, Patton devoted countless hours to supporting the Highland County Fair and the generations of families, farmers, and young people who have made the fair a cherished part of the community. His dedication extended beyond the fairgrounds, reflecting a lifelong commitment to his own small business, agriculture, the cattle industry, and the people whose hard work sustains rural communities. His contributions helped strengthen the Highland County Fair and promote the importance of agriculture and livestock to the region.

Accepting the honor on behalf of Steve's family were his daughter, Kayleesue Laber, and her children, D'Lelah, Patton, and Denver. Their presence represented not only part of Steve's immediate family, but also the generations who will carry forward the values of hard work, service, agriculture, and community that he demonstrated throughout his life.

"Steve's legacy reaches far beyond the years he served; he helped mentor and support the youth of our county. Sometimes, we don’t get a chance to say thank you. Today, on behalf of the fair board and the county commissioners, I say thank you, Steve. Your work made a difference." said David Daniels, county commissioner.