The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

William J. “Bill” Patten, 78, of Orange, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange, with Father Joseph P. Daleo officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Orange. Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Friday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Abbeville, La., on Jan. 25, 1935, Bill was the son of Robert Patten and Celeste (Richard) Patten. Bill served in the U.S. Army and retired from Sears in 1996 after 32 years as a salesman. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Bill had a wonderful sense of humor and was often referred to as a “character”. In retirement, Bill enjoyed going to the casinos. He loved his family very much and was very proud of them.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Raetzel Patten; parents, Robert and Celeste Patten; and brothers, Jack Patten and Bob Patten.

William is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Patten Smith and husband David L. of Mauriceville; granddaughter, Tiffany Sterling and husband, Jonathan of Mauriceville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Carl Patten, Gary Patten, Johnny Patten, Will Cowart, Dan Cowart, and David Cowart. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Patten and William Patten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests masses to be said in honor of Bill or memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; by phone: 1-(800) 805-5856 or online at: www.stjude.org and selecting the “Donate Now” button; St. Mary School; 2600 Bob Hall Rd Orange, TX 77630 or (409) 883-8913.