Lowell William Patterson of Harrisburg
Lowell William Patterson passed away on Sunday, March 6 at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. Lowell was born on Oct. 16, 1932 near Kingman, Indiana to Delena (Robinson) and Vinson W. Patterson.
After graduating from Kingman High School he worked on his father's farm before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving in a helicopter anti-submarine squadron aboard the ships USS Oriskany, USS Gilbert Islands, USS Antietam and the USS Saipan.
After the Navy he enrolled in the forestry program at Louisiana State University, later transferring to Purdue University where he graduated with honors.
He took a position with the U.S. Forest Service serving the Umpqua National Forest in Oregon, the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin and finally the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, where he retired.
On Dec. 21, 1952 he married Marsha Ann Mann at Kingman, Indiana. To this union were born three sons, Michael Steven (Edel Anaya) Patterson, Daniel Todd (Michelle) Patterson and Gregory Allen (Tracey) Patterson. They all survive their father, along with grandchildren Lauren, Katrin, Erica, Lindsey Gutsmiedl, Angelica and Kelson; and great-grandchildren Hunter Lowell, Cooper Glen and Luca.
Lowell is preceded in death by his parents; a sister Rosalie; and brother Leon.
Lowell was active as an elder at Harrisburg First Christian Church. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Yeddo, Indiana, The American Legion in Kenton, Michigan, the NRA and the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association.
Lowell was a talented cartoonist, who was published in several papers under the name of "Billy Bob Moe" in Wisconsin and southern Illinois. He was an avid outdoorsman and delighted in fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. His love of snowmobiling led him to help found the Nicolet Snow Safari, a successful and ever expanding trail system in northern Wisconsin.
A memorial service will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at the First Christian Church in Harrisburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts would be deeply appreciated as donations to Harrisburg First Christian Church or The American Cancer Society.
Burial will be held at a later date at the Fraternal Cemetery in Kingman, Indiana.