CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF

Deacon Willie Patton, 78, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Des Moines, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a friends' tribute service beginning at 6:00 p.m. His HomeGoing Celebration will be held at Corinthian Baptist Church in Des Moines on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Deacon Willie Patton, born August 27, 1947, in Arcadia, Louisiana, transitioned peacefully on July 4, 2026, at Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. A man of unwavering faith, Deacon Patton's life was a profound testament to dedication, love, and faithful service to God. Raised in Arcadia, Willie was baptized at Harmony Baptist Church at an early age, where his spiritual journey began. During his youth, he sang in the church choir and attended Grambling Laboratory High School, graduating in 1965. Seeking new opportunities, Willie relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, in the early 1970s, where he united with Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend James McKinley Harris.

Willie began his career as a detailer at Bob Brown Chevrolet. He married Anna Lacy, and together they welcomed a son, Timothy Patton.

In 1973, Willie met and married the love of his life, Linnie Ruth Cooper, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love. They lovingly raised their children, Timothy, Debra, and Christopher, creating a home filled with warmth, compassion, and strong Christian values. And those same values were expressed to all who walked through those doors on Amherst, serving with a heart of hospitality, never seeking public recognition.

The epitome of a hardworking and dedicated man, Willie devoted 35 years of service to Super Valu Warehouse. Even during retirement, his work ethic remained evident as he continued working part-time at the Wells Fargo Event Center and FDI Floral.

A pillar within both his church and community, Deacon Patton was a devoted member of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Des Moines. Ordained as a Deacon in the early 1980s, he faithfully served in numerous capacities, including a member of the Trustee Board, Chairman of both the Deacon and Trustee Boards, choir member, spiritual advisor, food ministry volunteer, and a faithful participant on the Friday Night Prayer Line for more than eight years.

From 2002 until 2012, Deacon Willie Patton served as President of the Central District Deacons Association. During his tenure, he established the Deacons Association Training Program, providing education and mentorship for newly ordained deacons and helping prepare them for faithful service within their local churches. Many Deacons throughout the State of Iowa continue to serve more effectively today because of his vision, instruction, and leadership.

Beyond his devotion to church and work, Willie cherished his family above all else. He found great joy in family gatherings, attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, fishing, traveling, and spending quiet moments studying God's Word.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Lenora Patton; his sister, Gloria Underwood; his son, Timothy Patton; and his beloved wife, Linnie Ruth Patton.

Those left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy include his children, Debra Jackson and Christopher Patton; his siblings, Pastor James (Liza) Patton, Jessie (Quincy) Patton, and Patsy (Elton) Gatson; his grandchildren, Darius Graham, Macio (Shardaine), Cody, Roman, and Jeanella; his great-grandchildren, Zaniyah, Daveion, Dembe, Amir, Ture Moon, Mya, Sebastian, Alyia, and Dream; his goddaughters, Kimberly (Pastor Webster) Campbell and Danessa Trahan; along with numerous bonus and foster children, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure his love and memory.

He also leaves behind his beloved Mt. Hebron church family, whose lives were profoundly impacted by his steadfast faith, servant's heart, and Christ-like love.

Matthew 25:21 fittingly speaks to the life he lived, so we say:

"Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord."

Deacon Willie Patton embodied these words each day, faithfully serving his church, his community, and his Lord and Savior with humility, compassion, and unwavering grace.

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:8:

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

Deacon Willie Patton's life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us in body, we rejoice in the promise of God's Word that he is now present with the Lord, receiving the eternal reward prepared for His faithful servants.

His steadfast faith, humble spirit, and unwavering love for God, his family, and his community will continue to inspire generations to come.

Memorial contributions honoring his legacy may be made to Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in his memory.

The family has entrusted Henderson's Funeral & Cremation Care with arrangements.