History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Our History
My family's association with funeral service began in 1865 when my great-great grandfather, Alexander, came to Braidwood and set up a furniture, livery and undertaking business. He emmigrated from Scotland at the age of 24 to work in the mines in Pennsylvania, then joined the gold rush to California. He recovered enough gold to purchase a farm in DeKalb, IL. After farming for five years, he spent a few years engaged in brick making before making Braidwood his home. He was one of the founders of the Masonic Lodge No. 704 in Braidwood and served as its first Worshipful Master. Alexander and his wife, Jane (McKinley), had seven children. Their sons, Alexander and James W., conducted the A. & J.W. Patterson Furniture and Undertaking business which had been started by their father a generation earlier.
James W. Patterson was born in Scotland, married Mary Stewart, and migrated to Braidwood in the early 70's. James served as Braidwood's postmaster, several terms as Supervisor of Reed Township and was long associated with the civic affairs of his city. The first fire department in Braidwood was organized in 1877 with James W. Patterson being the first Fire Chief of Marshal. He was also a past Master of the Masonic Lodge No. 704 in Braidwood. They had seven children. Among them were ALexander J. and James R., both of whom were undertakers.
Alexander J. and James R. conducted the business until Alexander's death. At that time, Alexander's son, Malcom, joined the business until he died in a car accident in 1940. In 1940 the business was conducted solely by James R. and his wife Esther (Nelson) at a new location on East Main Street in Braidwood. They were both very much concerned with the advancement of their city. They donated the property on which the A. & J.W. Patterson Furniture and Undertaking business stood on main street to the Braidwood Bank (now Charter One Bank). James R. was a past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 704. He passed away in 1950, at which time Esther continued the business and was active in many organizations. She was a member of the Order of the Amaranth, an 80 year member and past Worthy Matron of the O.E.S. Holly Chapter No. 183 in Braidwood and a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Braidwood. James R. and Esther had three children, Robert, James W. and Mary. James W. was an undertaker.
James W., and his wife, Martha (Armstrong), were the fourth generation to continue in the funeral business. James graduated from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1941 and was honored as a fifty year licensee of funeral service in 1993. Martha became a funeral director in 1960. Jimmy was a 50 year member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and had served Will County as Deputy Coroner for several years. He is also a 50 year member a past Master of Braidwood Masonic Lodge No.704, a 50 year member of the American Legion Post #39, the O.E.S. Holly Chapter No. 183, and the Braidwood Fire Department, of which he served as treasurer for many years. In 1963, James W. and Martha built a new facility on East Main Street in Braidwood on the spot previously occupied by the East School. In 1958 they built a second location in South Wilmington, IL. Martha is a member and past Worthy Matron of O.E.S. Holly Chapter No. 183. She is active in church and charitable organizations. James W. and Martha had three children, James R., Carol, and myself, Roger W. Patterson. I, along with my wife, Kathy (Moret) Patterson, conduct the business today.
Our Valued Staff
Sara M. Foote, Manager
Sara (Patterson) Foote, daughter of Roger and Kathy Patterson, is the sixth generation of the Patterson family to enter funeral service. She is skilled in many areas of funeral service. She also serves the firm as Director of Operations, Family Counselor, Pre-need Specialist, and is a licensed Insurance Producer. She lives in Braidwood and, is married to Joshua Foote and has two children, Lucas and Mackenzie.
Stacey Clement, Office Administrator
City of Residence: Braidwood, ILPersonal Information: Stacy grew up in Plainfield, IL and has been a resident of Braidwood since 2000. She plays an important role in the daily operations of the funeral home, assisting families and helping ensure arrangements and services run smoothly. Stacy considers it a privilege to support families during difficult times and to serve the community she calls home.Outside of work, she is a proud mother of two sons, Trevor and Blake, and a daughter, Kylie. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, is a huge sports fan, and especially enjoys summer, often spending time outdoors and relaxing by the pool. Stacy has been actively involved in the Braidwood community, serving as Athletic Director of football for the Reed-Custer Jr. Comets and later as Co-Founder and President of the Reed-Custer Gridiron Club. In 2013, she also co-founded Project Patriotism, helping connect the community with military welcome homes, send-offs, and other patriotic events throughout Southern Will and Grundy Counties.
Trevor Runyon, Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
City of Residence: St. Anne School: Pontiac Township High School Class of 2014 Worsham College of Mortuary Science March Class of 2017 Personal Information: Born and raised in Pontiac, IL. He and his wife reside in St. Anne with their dog, Beau. Parishioner of St. Anne Catholic Church where he serves as organist. Trevor also serves as a part-time organist at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Beaverville. He was awarded the 2013 Rotary Citizen of the Year in Pontiac. Served on several boards of directors within Livingston County including the Livingston Family Care Center, United Way, and others at Livingston County Health Department. Hobbies include: traveling, cooking, and spending time at Lake Freeman in Monticello, IN.