William Edmund Paten Jr.

Bill was born on July 19, 1927 to William E. Pigg, Sr. and Mary Perkins Pigg south of Hallsville, Missouri. (Note: Bill legally changed his family’s last name from Pigg to Paten in 1978.)

Bill was a genuine Christian who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. He served the Lord with great zeal for over 48 years. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Bill loved serving in his church and he loved his church family. He went on many missionary trips to serve his Lord in different areas of the world. Besides his love for the Lord Jesus, he deeply loved his family. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also very close to his step-father Jay Moreau who passed away in 1981.

Bill had the remarkable feat of serving in three branches of the U.S. military. He served his country in the United States Navy, The United States Army Air Force and the United States Air Force. After retiring from the military, he worked for Shelter Insurance from 1968 to 1989. He also served in the Vietnam War.

Bill also had a passion for gardening and kept his yard colorful and beautiful. He led a remarkable life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife Carol of 33 years, his sons Ed Paten of Columbia, Tim Paten (Patty) of Sun City West, AZ, Marty Paten (Lisa) of Columbia, and a daughter in-law Gwen Paten of Louisville, Kentucky. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and many sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Doris Dean Paten in 1990 (whom they raised their four sons together), by his parents, son Mike, Sister Dorothy Severson, half-brother Hermann Pigg (Marion), many sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, and many close friends. There was rejoicing in Heaven when they all greeted Bill home in Heaven.