Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009

Driver charged with DUI in crash that killed former prep star, college official

A Columbia man has been charged with drunken driving after a head-on car crash Monday night that killed a prominent one-time local athlete and college administrator.

Melvin D. Patton, 67, of Columbia, was killed in the crash, which occurred at 8:52 p.m. Monday on Illinois 158 near Quarry Road.

James M. Toon, 27, of Columbia, was charged Tuesday with driving under the influence. Police said he was drunk when his 2007 Chrysler crossed the center line of Illinois 158 and struck the 2001 Mercury driven by Patton.

St. Clair County Deputy Coroner Mike Schutzenhofer pronounced Patton dead at the scene, Illinois State Police Trooper Kevin Coates said. Patton was not wearing a seatbelt.

Two injured passengers riding with Patton were taken to a Belleville hospital. Police arrested Toon.

Patton was a former Belleville Township High School baseball and basketball standout. He attained all-state honors and was an All-American at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Patton was formerly vice president at Fontbonne University in St. Louis, where he is a member of the school's Hall of Fame. He was also vice president of Keiser Career College in St. Petersburg, Fla.

"The Fontbonne University community is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Mel Patton, who served as the chief financial officer of the university. Mel was a special person and well liked by all on campus," Fontbonne University President Dennis Golden said. "He was a devoted friend and loyal supporter of Fontbonne, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

He was president of the Mon-Clair amateur baseball league from 1987 through 2001.

Patton was the second person to die Monday in the metro-east after being struck by a vehicle driven by drunken driver, police said.

Frances S. Koon, 65, of Lenzburg was killed early Monday on Illinois 13 near Freeburg. Police said Nicholas Wilson, 19, of Lenzburg was driving under the influence when he crossed the center line and hit Koon at 4:50 a.m. Monday.