Fred David Patton, 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Patton of Littleton township, was drowned late Sunday afternoon in Crooked creek near the abandoned bridge on the George Walker place, two and one-half miles southeast of Brooklyn.
  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon in the Methodist church at Littleton, with Rev. Corbin Stambaugh and Rev. Charles Conlee in charge.  Burial was in the Littleton cemetery.
  The accident occurred when Fred and his elder brother, Hugh, who is on furlough from the army, and Miss Wanda Johnson of Pleasant View, were playing around one of the two boats which were tied near the bridge.  Both the boys were in the water and holding on to the sides of the boat, while Miss Johnson was seated in the boat.
  Fred was at the end of the boat and let loose to swim, apparently the strong current took him under. He came up very quickly several feet farther downstream, according to testimony given at the inquest Monday morning at the Gordon Funeral home.  Hugh said he could tell that his brother was in trouble, but he was unable to handle himself in the water and could do nothing to assist.  Fred disappeared under the water, and Hugh and Miss Johnson made use of the boat in an attempt to locate him with a pole before going for help.  Sheriff Ernest Andre and State Patrolman Hal Ewing were notified of the accident, and along with Eugene Lawler began an intensive search of the waters about 8:30.  The officers used poles and hooks, while Mr. Lawler made repeated dives into the water.  Mr. Lawler came up with the body about 10 o'clock, at a point about 30 feet from the boats, in water about five and one-half feet deep.
  An inquest was conducted Monday morning by Coroner V. M. Corman, at which time testimony of Hugh Patton, Miss Johnson, and Lewis T. Shores was heard.   Mr. Shores was first to arrive at the scene following the call for help.  After hearing the testimony, the jury brought in a verdict of accidental death by drowning.  The jury was composed of Jerry Bowers, foreman, Leroy Logan, Ralph Wilheim, Lloyd Root, D. W. Davis, and Harold Strong.
  Fred David Patton, third and youngest son of Frank J. and Bessie M. Stambaugh Patton, was born in Rushville, September 8, 1931and departed this life July 10, 1949, being just 17 years, 10 months, and two days of age.
  The last 15 years of his life was spent in Littleton township where he attended White Frame school for eight years, graduating alone in 1945 as the last graduate of that school.
  He leaves to mourn his passing his parents; two brothers, Hugh, a member of the U.S. air force, now stationed at Rantoul, and Albert of Jacksonville; also several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a host of friends.
  His cheerful disposition and pleasant wit made him liked by all who knew him.  He was industrious trustworthy, and ambitious.  He was a kind-hearted friend and a loving son and brother.