Obituary for Clyde William “Bill” Patrick, Jr

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Born July 6, 1931 to the late Clyde William, Sr. and Eunice Evelyn (Harford) Patrick in Goshen Township in Auglaize County, Ohio. He grew up in rural Auglaize, Hardin, and Logan Counties. He attended school in Kenton, Roundhead, graduating from Belle Center High School in 1949.

It was at Belle Center High School that he met his lifelong love, Mary Lou McKirahan, during his senior year and her freshman year of high school. Bill said, “I fell flat on my face in love with her”. Their first date was a daytime basketball game which her father chaperoned. Their romance continued, then became long distance after Bill enlisted in the United States Navy in August, 1950. They were married February 28, 1953, in Belle Center, Ohio.

After boot camp and machinist school, Bill was assigned to the USS Bryce Canyon, where he served until he was Honorably Discharged on June 3rd, 1954.

Upon returning to Logan County they lived in Northwood in a house Mary Lou’s father built. Mary Lou and Bill adopted their sons; Brian Jeffrey Patrick and Alan Lindsay Patrick in 1958 and 1961, respectively.

Bill was a devoted son and big brother, father, uncle grandfather, and friend. He and Mary Lou made memories over their 72-year marriage. A life of dedication to each other, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary together at their home despite Mary Lou’s illness. They celebrated their birthdays together and she passed in July, 2025.

Prior to his naval service, Bill worked at Rockwell International in Kenton, where he returned in 1954, and stayed until the end of April 1997. While at Rockwell, Bill worked in numerous roles, including as Machinist, working in Machine Repair, as an Electrician, and Union Recording Secretary.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Brian Patrick, brother Lowell Edward Patrick, sister Alice (Patrick) Ridenour, and grandson, David Jordan.

Over his life, he was active on what he called his “120 acre hobby farm,” Grange, the Hardin County Farm Bureau, playing Fast Pitch softball for the Rockwell team, and Walnut Grove Methodist Church.

Bill especially enjoyed spending time with his family, Mary Lou’s family, his nieces and nephews, and friends, especially the card club to which he and Mary Lou belonged for over 40 years.

He enjoyed reading; memorizing and analyzing poetry; researching his family’s genealogy; as well as continued learning his whole life in various disciplines. He and Mary Lou enjoyed traveling, especially attending ship reunions over the years.

Left to treasure his memory and continue his legacy are his son, Alan (Vicki) Patrick, grandchildren: Shaun, Lindsay, and their mother, Sandy; grandchildren; Catherine, Christine, Crystal, Richard, great grandchildren; Mia, Makala, Elijah, Joseph, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services for Bill will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton with Rev. Jeff Ridenour officiating. Burial will take place at Dunkirk Cemetery. Friends and family may visit 2 hours prior to the services at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Bill’s honor may be made to Walnut Grove Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.