Whole lotta singin’ going on as retired detective entertains seniors
By Brynna Williamson
Remember “Blue Suede Shoes?” Remember “Jailhouse Rock?” Remember “Can’t Help Falling in Love?”
Well, so do the residents of Lindale’s nursing homes. And they’d like to hear them again.
Luckily, Lindale resident Detective Sgt. Alan T. Patton – a retired homicide detective – loves doing Elvis impressions.
Patton, who spent 5 years in the Marine Corp and 27 years as a homicide detective in Grand Prairie, started doing Elvis impressions in October of 2023. Although he describes himself as “A no stone unturned, truth gatherer,” he is also well known among his friends and co-workers for his sense of exuberant fun.
In fact, it came as no surprise to learn that his nickname when he was in Vietnam with the military was “Goofy.”
Although he normally does impersonations for his mother’s nursing home, Patton says he bought equipment within the last month to start doing it in Lindale.
“My mother is in an assisted living center in Midlothian, and I would go visit her,’’ he said.
“And I’d be walking up and down the hallways, just singing acapella and the Activities Director came to me!’’
That, it turns out, was the start of a new career for the former detective.
“She said ‘Alan! Have you ever considered doing this for my residents?,’’ he recalled. “So I said, ‘Well, what do they want to hear?’ And they said, ‘Elvis!’’
Then it was off to do some shopping.
“So I went and bought that Elvis costume (and performed) 14 Elvis songs that day,” Patton recalled. “There’ve been people from nursing homes in Lindale and Tyler… so they’ve asked me, ‘Will you come and entertain?’ Because I love (doing it)!”
Although Patton has retired from the police force and the military, he still keeps very busy.
Today, the fun-loving, high-energy retired detective can be found leading a Bible study at his church – Grace Community Church in Lindale – serving on volunteer construction projects in the Smith County area or enjoying some time golfing.
Although he has seen the worst of the worst of humanity, Patton still manages to bring a sense of fun, goofiness, and overall joy to his work.
His secret? The same one as his motto when he was a homicide detective: “We Work For God.”
Patton can be reached at his email, P080300@aol.com.