William Patterson

William “Bill” Lorin Patterson, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Rexburg, Idaho, on March 10, 2026, after a long battle with prostate cancer. 

Bill was born March 2, 1950, in Hailey, Idaho, to Lorin David Patterson and Jahaza Grace (Blankenship) Patterson. He spent his early years growing up in Carey and Boise, Idaho, where he developed a love for aviation, mechanics, and learning how things worked—interests that would shape the course of his life. 

Bill is an Army Veteran and served his country for 24 years as an Army aviator, flying both helicopters and airplanes in the United States Army and the Idaho Army National Guard. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he flew numerous aircrafts, including the AH-64 Apache and the UH-1 Huey, and retired as a commissioned officer with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. Throughout his flying career, he became widely known as a highly skilled maintenance test pilot and a knowledgeable instructor pilot, earning the respect of those who flew and worked alongside him. 

Bill’s passion for aviation did not end with his military retirement. He continued flying in a variety of roles, including fighting wildfires, crop dusting, a helicopter pilot for KTVB Channel 7 News, a Life Flight pilot, and later working as a civilian defense contractor pilot completing two tours in Afghanistan. 

Outside of aviation, Bill was a man of many talents. He loved restoring classic cars and took pride in his award-winning 1957 Ford Fairlane—just one of many vehicles he restored over the years. He also enjoyed gardening, cooking, and tackling just about any project that needed fixing. Known as a master of many trades and a quick learner, Bill could build, repair, or figure out almost anything he set his mind to. 

Bill was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was known for his quick wit, his ability to make people laugh, and his famously overused Forrest Gump impression that became a trademark among family and friends. 

Bill had eight children with his first wife, Lucy Jean (Stocking) Johnson, with whom he was married for almost 25 years before they divorced. He later married Doris Elaine (VanVleet) Patterson, to whom he was married for almost 20 years until her passing. Bill is survived by his wife of nearly 10 years, Pennie (Ellsworth) Patterson, who brought eight children into their blended family. 

He is survived by his children: Jennifer Halstead (Rick), Christina Kirkland (Lane), David Patterson (Emilie), Lynette Roberts (Brent), Rebecca Lockhart, Emily Johnson (Chad), Brian Patterson (Lacy), and Matthew Patterson (Aubrea). He is also survived by his stepchildren: Trever Ellsworth (Marcy), Christine Salmon (Jason), Ryan Ellsworth (Carla), Paul Ellsworth (Kirsten), Lynn Ellsworth (Erin), Bryce Ellsworth (Lindy), Sam Ellsworth (Jen), and Seth Ellsworth (Kimmy). 

Bill leaves behind a large and loving legacy including 31 biological grandchildren, 10 biological great-grandchildren with one more on the way, as well as 34 step-grandchildren and 5 step great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorin and Jahaza Patterson, and by his wife, Doris Elaine Patterson. A viewing will be held on March 19, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home, 61 N 1st E, Rexburg, Idaho. 

Funeral services will be held on March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 1508 W 3000 N, Rexburg, Idaho, with a viewing beginning at 10:00 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest with military honors on March 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise, Idaho, where he will be buried next to his beloved wife, Doris. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation in Bill’s memory. Prostate Cancer Foundation Donation. Bill will be remembered for his service to his country, his love of flying, his mechanical brilliance, his humor, and his deep love for his large and growing family.