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Mel Patton of Columbia, 65, was the man pronounced dead at the scene of the accident Monday evening between Columbia and Millstadt. Passengers in his Mercury Grand Marquis, son, Darren, and granddaughter, Katlyn, were transported by ambulance to an area hospital. Their conditions are not known at this time.
According to the Illinois State Police, James Toon, 27, also of Columbia, was driving a Chrysler Limited westbound on Route 158 when he crossed into the eastbound lanes. His car collided head on with Patton’s vehicle. Toon was transported by ambulance to a hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. He was ticketed for driving under the influence of drugs.
Funeral arrangements are pending for Patton. He was a former minor league ball player who continued his love of the game in the Mon-Clair Baseball League, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He was long remembered for his entertaining play by play broadcasts with Art Voellinger and Gary Pieper during the Valmeyer Mid-Summer Classic and Championship Series. He is survived by his wife, Candy, along with other children and grandchildren.
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