William “Bill” Donald Patterson
Share
In Loving Memory of William “Bill” Donald Patterson A Celebration of Life service for William “Bill” Donald Patterson, 79, of Lawrence, Kansas, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Bill passed away peacefully on March 10th, 2025, at The Gardens at Aldersgate in Topeka, Kansas.
Bill was born on August 29, 1945, in Carbondale, Illinois, to Donald Patterson and Delpha Sullivan Patterson. He grew up in Prairie Village, Kansas, and graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School in the Class of 1963. Bill honorably served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1970, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant and serving as a Vietnam War Veteran.
In 1971, Bill joined the Masonic Lodge, where his dedication and leadership shone brightly. Over the years, he accomplished many milestones, including serving as Grand Master in 1996. Furthermore, he was involved with DeMolay, the Scottish Rites, and served as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Masonic Foundation of Japan to name a few.
Bill met the love of his life, Kumiyo Hara, in 1974 while pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Kansas. The two married on April 10, 1976, in Kansas City, Missouri. In 1977, they embarked on a journey to Japan, where Bill became an English professor at Nihon University. While the rest of the family moved to the United States in 1993, he remained in Japan to continue his career to support his family until his retirement in 2017.
A devoted father, Bill cherished his role as a father to three daughters, all of whom were born in Japan. Together, they shared countless adventures, including trips to Tokyo to the Masonic Lodge and visits to Yokohama to attend the Church of England. Bill’s Scottish heritage was a source of great pride, and he enthusiastically embraced Scottish culture, music, cuisine, and even participated in a Highland Games event. During his more than 40 years in Japan, Bill embraced the richness of Japanese culture and cuisine, blending his love for both Scottish and Japanese traditions into a life well-lived.”
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Kumiyo, his daughters, Mina Kawakami and Aya Patterson; his treasured grandchildren, Sakura and Kaishin Kawakami, and Shaydon Takeshi Folsom-Patterson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Kay Patterson, and his granddaughter, Shakeilee.
Bill may have been a man of few words but his selflessness, warmth, wisdom, and his witty sense of humor touched the lives of everyone he met. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Memorial contributions in honor of Bill may be made to his wife, Kumiyo Patterson, as a gesture of support. Please make checks payable to Kumiyo Patterson and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13th St. Lawrence, KS 66044.
Our deepest Condolences to Brother William D. Patterson’s family. He was a great man, mentor, father, and brother. He touched many lives here in Tokyo and his memories are in the hearts of all he has come in contact with here in Japan and I am sure around the world. Rest in Peace and May the Lord Above hold him safe in his loving arms.
From the Grand Lodge of Japan and also the Valley of Tokyo, Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction of the the United States of America
Bill left an impression on me. His humor and indomitable spirit inspired me to try harder and to accept whatever came my way but not without a good fight. He will be missed but will remain in my heart as my friend.