Dr. W.C. Patton is remembered as kind, strong

To the editor:

Many changes have been made in the medical field since the early 1900s. There were fewer doctors, and medicine was scarce. Home remedies were often relied upon. Midwives took the place of a doctor in the delivery of a baby.

A recent item from 75 years ago in the Southeast Missourian featured Dr. W.C. Patton as Cape Girardeau's finest early doctor and surgeon whose treatment and expertise saved many lives.

When my twin sister and I were born, Dr. Patton performed the delivery and, with help from above, saved my mother's life from severe blood poisoning. His exact words were, "You have to fight poison with poison." He prescribed whiskey. We were the first twins Dr. Patton delivered in Cape Girardeau.

Dr. Patton was a man of strength, determination, stature and prominence. He enjoyed many sports. His interests were wide, and he was very supportive of others. He was rarely seen without a friendly greeting and a smile.

I am sure he is still smiling, but for an entirely different reason. He is in his heavenly home.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau