William David Pattison,
Sr.'s obituary, which appeared on the first page in the 9 Jun 1942 issue of the
Pulaski County Democrat, reads as follows:
The death of William D.
Pattison, long one of Winamac's best known and most highly esteemed business
men, occurred Monday morning at Billings hospital in Chicago, to which he had
been taken a week previously. He had been sick for about a month, several
complications having followed an attack of jaundice (he actually died of
liver cancer).
Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Fry
& Lange chapel, conducted by the Rev. O.L. Collier. The Masonic order was
in charge, and held burial ceremonies in the Winamac cemetery.
Mr. Pattison was sixty-nine years of age last March 6, and
was a resident of Pulaski county during his entire life. A son of Dr. Harris E. Pattison, he was born at Star City but moved
to Winamac with his parents when he was a small child. As a lad in high school
he worked part time in Smith's drug store, taking regular employment at
Carper's drug store in the early '90's.
He retained his identity
with that establishment for forty-seven years, most of the time in partnership
with the late Mac Carper, and owner after the latter's death in 1937. Three
years ago he sold the store to the present owner, W.A. Logan. Then, after a
lapse of a full half century, he returned a few months ago to Smith's drug
store as a temporary employe during John Kruger's service in the army.
Numerous community activities felt the influence of Mr.
Pattison's energy and integrity. He served as a member of the town school board
and on the town council. In Masonry he presided over the local lodge as Master
for a number of years and had received all degrees in the York rite, Scottish
rite and Mystic Shrine. When the Kiwanis club was formed he became a charter
member, later served as president and maintained an almost perfect attendance
record up to the time of his final illness. The club held a special service in
his honor at its regular meeting Tuesday noon, and visited the funeral chapel
in a body on Wednesday.
Surviving are son Sergeant Harry Pattison, stationed at
Rantoul, Ill., and son William of Chicago; daughters Mrs. MaryCo
Cooper of Chicago and Miss Virginia of Salisbury, Md.; one brother,
Col. Harry H. Pattison, U.S. Army retired, of Palo Alto,
Calif., and a half-sister, Mrs. Olive McLaughlin of Winamac.
Another obituary appeared in
the Winamac (IN) Republican on 11 Jun 1942.
"Although not unexpected, yet the community was shocked Monday when a
message was received here that William David Pattison, well known local
druggist, had died that morning at the Billings Memorial hospital at Chicago.
Mr. Pattison had been ailing for the past four months,
gradually growing worse. Two weeks ago he was taken to a hospital and later
that week returned home. A week ago Sunday night, his condition becoming
serious he was taken to the Billings hospital. Saturday following an operation
Thursday he lapsed into a coma and never regained consciousness. Death was due
to complications.
He started in the drug business at the age of 17, working a
year for the late Lin Smith, later becoming successively part owner and later
sole owner of Carper's drug store, which he disposed of to William Logan three
years ago last month after 49 years in business. Following his disposal of his
business he took an extended vacation, later working in drug stores at
Rochester and Logansport. His last employment, which his illness caused him to
give up, was at Smith's drug store.
A 32nd degree Mason, he was a past master of the Winamac
Masonic lodge, and also a past president of the local Kiwanis club. Although a
quiet, unassuming man, he was always a leader in civic activities.
A son of Dr. Harris E. and Columbia Hayes Pattison, he was born at Star City
March 6, 1873. While yet a child, the family moved to Winamac. Oct. 18, 1910,
he was united in marriage with Jessie Heise at her home in Indian Creek. Four
children were born to this union.
Surviving children are Sergt. Harry Pattison of the Army
Medical Corps, Rantoul, IL; Mrs. Mary Co Cooper and William, Jr., Chicago; Virginia, Salisbury, MD; a brother, Col. Harry Pattison, Palo Alto, CA, and a half sister, Mrs. Olive McLaughlin, Winamac.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock
at the Fry & Lange funeral home in charge of the Masonic lodge with
interment in the Winamac cemetery."