Elwood Bean Patterson, Sr. Age 87 of Winchester VA, passed away Monday, April 6,2026, at the Winchester Medical Center.

Elwood was born April 29, 1938, in Frederick County VA.

The son of James Elwood and Gladys Williams Patterson of Frederick County VA.

A 1958 graduate of James Wood High School where he participated in many extracurricular activities including learning to play the Cornet. While proficient in the cornet he played with the Rouss Drum and Bugle Corps.

After graduating from High School, he went on to begin his career at O’Sullivan Corporation, which was a career that lasted 43 years where he finished as shipping supervisor. Throughout his tenure there he made many friends and participated in company bowling and softball leagues. Upon retirement, Elwood went to work for Keplinger Repair Service, specializing in fire apparatus repair and servicing.

Elwood had the passion for community service with the compassion for helping people and the camaraderie of the “Fire Hall”. He answered the call to service by joining the Round Hill Community Fire Department in 1954, which was later renamed Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue. His commitment endured for over seven decades. In the early 1980’s Elwood completed his EMT certification and also became a Member of the Winchester Volunteer Rescue Squad which later became Millwood Station where he became a lifetime member.

During his years of service to the Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue he served in many capacities including Fire Chief, President, board member, but most importantly he led by example in mentoring young firefighters to follow in his footsteps. He was involved in countless fundraisers and events. You could always find him at the fire station on Monday evenings helping with bingo and one of his favorite contributions was being the Emcee for countless cash parties both at Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue and Millwood Station. Elwood was a true pillar of the community who never met a stranger. He always had a joke or a story to tell.

Elwood received numerous awards and recognitions as a result of his service and dedication. Most notably in 2023 the Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue purchased a new rescue engine which was dedicated in his honor and displays his name on the side of the apparatus. In addition, he was the recipient of many service awards including the Valor Award.

Elwood enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was a member of the Winchester Frederick County Conservation Club and a past member of the Winchester Moose Lodge. His favorite sporting events included watching Redskin football, the Baltimore Orioles, his beloved Notre Dame football, and NASCAR, where his favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt in the black number 3.

Elwood was a long-time member and attended the Round Hill Church.

Elwood married Sue Ann Holland on November 21, 1959, in Winchester Virginia.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 43 years, Sue, and his mother-in-law, Madeline Holland.

Elwood is survived by his children, son Chip Patterson (Lisa) of Winchester VA and his daughter Susan Fletcher (David) of Stephens City VA; four grandchildren, Matt Fletcher, Brandon Fletcher (Melanie), Taylor Voges (Michael), and Captain Isaac Patterson USMC; five great grandchildren, Zayne, Zeyna, Asher, Eli, and Josiah. He is also survived by his fiancé of 23 years, Barbara Anderson Crim. In addition to his extended family of firefighters and community members.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 16 from 2pm-4pm and 6-pm-8pm at the Omps Funeral Home on Amherst St. Winchester VA.

Services will be held on Friday, April 17 at the Winchester Church of God at 11:00am. Officiating will be Pastor Doug Rinker, Pastor Roy Riley, and Pastor Kent Woodward. Interment will be held at the Shenandoah Memorial Park immediately following the service. A reception will follow the interment at Round Hill Community Fire & Rescue Event Center, 141 Spinning Wheel Lane, Winchester, VA.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rodney Snapp, Karl Littman, Rocky Keplinger, Victor Riggleman, Matt Riley, and Dave Plunkett.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Gray, Earl Collins, Chris Cunningham, Sara Jobe, and Chuck Dondero.

Memorial contributions in memory of Elwood can be sent to Round Hill Community Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 1368, Winchester, VA 22604 or Round Hill Church, 2993 Northwestern Turnpike, Winchester VA 22603.