Clarence P. Patterson

Clarence P. "Buster" "Bus" "C.P." "Pat" Patterson, age 94, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away peacefully November 5th, his late wife's birthday, in his boyhood home in Monmouth, Illinois at 5:30 am. Clarence was born on November 2, 1914 in Monmouth, Illinois and was the son of Clarence M. and Elma Powers Patterson. C.P. was raised in Monmouth where he attended local schools and graduated from Monmouth High School. He then attended Monmouth College where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated from Monmouth in 1935 with a degree in music. "Bus" was married to Beulah H. Brown on August 20, 1939 in Fairwiew, Illinois. She preceded "C.P." in death on March 26th of this year. Clarence began his career in Ipava, Illinois teaching two years at Ipava High School. They then moved to Toulon, Illinois where he assumed the position of Music Director for both Band and Choir. He did so for 19 years, building an award-winning music program receiving many top honors and awards at the High School and Elementary Levels. C.P. also was choir director at the Toulon Baptist Church for a number of years. The Patterson's moved to Monmouth in 1958 to live in his boyhood home when he accepted the position of Music Director of the newly-formed Warren School District. He was director of many church choirs and was a popular vocalist singing at many public functions. "Bus" is a member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Monmouth Rotary Club, and was designated "Chorister Emeritus" having served as song leader for 26 years. In 2007 he and Beulah, his wife of 68 years, were honored for their service by the club and State Representative Rich Myers. "C.P." is a member and past Deacon and Elder of Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth. "C.P." in his retirement worked at Monmouth College in the Mail Services for 6 years. He also helped out in the College Book Store. Clarence served two terms on the Monmouth College Alumni Board and took an active part in the Music and Sports departments at the college. . He was the Public Announcer at football games and was the official scorer at basketball as well as singing the national anthem at both events. C.P. is a member, having served as Chairman, of Monmouth Associates. He served as President of the Alumni board of Theta Chi Fraternity a number of years. He also directed the singing at many alumni banquets and convocation at the college and was named outstanding alumni and received the Distinguished Service Award at M.C. "C.P." was a long-time member, playing clarinet, of the Monmouth Municipal Band and often served as Director and Assistant Director. He also was a member of the Maple City Dixieland Jazz Band. Clarence served on and was Vice President of the Monmouth Civic Music Concert board. He is a member of Warren County Retired Teachers Association and was a former president of the Warren County Heart Association, and served on the Buchanan Art Center Board. He also was employed for a number of years helping out at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth, Illinois. In his spare time C.P. was known for his meticulous care of the yard around his house. Surviving C.P. are his daughters Janet Kay of St.Louis, Missouri and Joyce Lynn of Frankfort, Illinois. Two grandsons survive Jared and Derek. "Bus" is preceded in death by his parents, wife, a grandson Eric, and his sister Frances Marguerite. Services:A funeral service will be on Monday November 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, IL. His family plans a visitation at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park Cemetery in Monmouth. Memorial donations may be made to either the Clarence P. and Beulah Brown Patterson Music Scholarship or Faith United Presbyterian Church in Monmouth, Illinois.