William G. Patterson

William “Bill” Patterson MARION– William “Bill” Patterson, 80, of Marion passed away at 8:15 AM on September 16, 2010 at Parkway Manor in Marion. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion with Reverend Wade Halva officiating. Military Rites will be held at the cemetery with VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147, and the National Guard conducting the services. Visitation will be 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Memorials may be made to Marion Medical Mission, 1412 Shawnee Drive, Marion, Illinois, 62959. Bill was born June 3, 1930 in Ridgeway, Illinois to Earl and Betty (Funkhouser) Patterson. He first married Dorothy Patterson, who preceded him in death, and later married Elizabeth Ann Clevenger on July 10, 1986 in Paducah, Kentucky. Survivors include his wife; son, William “Junior” Patterson; step-daughters, Shawna Donovan of Marion & Elizabeth Dixon of Murphysboro; sister & brother-in-law, Patsy & Louis Kelley of Marion; sister, Gwen Summers of Marion; brother & sister-in-law, Ernie “Bill” & Jennifer Williams of Spillertown; brother-in-law, Charlie Thetford of Marion; beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grand-dogs, a cat and friends. Preceding him in death were his first wife; parents; brother, Arthur Melvin Patterson; sister, Nancy Thetford; and several close friends. Bill was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served from 1946-1967, which enabled him to live around the world. He retired from Pepsi Cola in Marion, Illinois. Having been an active member of his community, Bill volunteered at the Marion VA and for the Meals on Wheels program. He was a devout Christian who loved his family, friends, country and community very much.