William "Bill" W. Patmon

William “Bill” Patmon, former Cleveland City Councilman and Ohio State Representative for Ohio’s 10th House District, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the age of 80.

Representative Patmon dedicated his life to public service, community uplift, and principled leadership. Throughout his distinguished career, he was known for his unwavering commitment to fairness, opportunity, and justice, consistently placing his constituents' needs above partisan politics. His legacy is deeply rooted in both the halls of government and the neighborhoods he faithfully served.

Bill began his earthly journey on February 13, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of William Wesley Patmon, Sr., and Lizzie Baker Byrd. During his high school years in Detroit, Bill was a standout athlete, participating in multiple sports. Through athletics, he developed leadership, discipline, motivation, and goal-setting skills, qualities that would later define his work as a community organizer and servant leader. He later graduated from Washtenaw Community College.

Bill relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, in the 1980s, where he quickly became engaged in civic life. Determined to make a meaningful difference, he began his political career and was later elected to the Cleveland City Council, where he proudly represented Ward 8 from 1990 to 2001.

During his 12-year tenure on City Council, Bill held several key leadership roles, including Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Employment and Affirmative Action Committee. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Safety, Community Development, and Utilities Committees. His leadership contributed to meaningful policy development, fiscal oversight, and the expansion of opportunities for the community.

In 2011, Bill was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives, serving the 10th District until his term-limited retirement in 2018. While in the General Assembly, he served on the Education Committee, the State Government and Elections Committee, and the Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Committee. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he worked across party lines and earned respect for his integrity, humility, and thoughtful decision-making. In 2019 was Bill was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Ohio Racing Commission thru 2023.

Among his many legislative accomplishments, Bill sponsored impactful legislation addressing public safety, healthcare transparency, and community well-being. His most notable achievement was the passage of the “Lizzie B. Byrd Act,” named in honor of his mother. Signed into law on December 19, 2014, the legislation ensures that breast cancer patients are fully informed of all treatment options, including coverage for reconstructive surgery.

He also co-sponsored “Goddard’s Law,” strengthening protections against animal cruelty, and introduced legislation and specialty license plates recognizing Cleveland as the birthplace of Superman, honoring its creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

Beyond public office, Bill was an accomplished businessman and civic leader. As President of East Erie Enterprise LLC, he provided consulting services in community development, economic development, and municipal finance. He also served as a Special Consultant to the late Councilwoman Fannie M. Lewis.

A lifelong advocate for civic engagement, Bill was a member of the NAACP and served on the Board of Trustees for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. He was selected to participate in the Harvard University Professional Fellows Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and was a member of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 1998. In 1997, he received the National League of Cities Cultural Diversity Award for his work advancing inclusion and opportunity.

In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed playing tennis, golf and cruising in his car. Following his retirement, he and his wife made their home in Oberlin, Ohio.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Wesley Patmon, Sr., and Lizzie B. Byrd, bonus father Roscoe Byrd, and his son, Damon Deon Patmon.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 37 years, Sharon Williams Patmon; his children, William Wesley Patmon III (Teela), Jewel Yvette Patmon, and Liz Matise Patmon; his grandchildren, William Wesley Patmon IV, Alexandria Sarah Patmon, Daniel Carrington Patmon, Kayla Christiana Patmon, Sha'Taura Deon Duncan, Damon Patmon Jr., Mi'Cha Patmon, and Joh'Shay Tinsley; his siblings, Patricia Sharon Byrd and Johnny Hasan; daughter-in-law Patty Patmon; great grandchildren and a host of extended family members, friends, colleagues, and community members who will continue to honor and carry forward his legacy of service, compassion, and leadership.

Homegoing Arrangements

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at:

Mt. Zion Baptist Church
47 Locust Street
Oberlin, Ohio 44074

A Masonic Tribute will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during the visitation.

The Homegoing Service will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Services may also be viewed via Facebook Live through Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Oberlin.

Burial to follow at New Russia Township Cemetery.

In Loving Memory

Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to:

• The Richard & Shirley Williams Scholarship Fund (Community Foundation of Lorain County)
www.peoplewhocare.org

• Susan G. Komen for Breast Cancer
www.donor.komen.org

Online condolences may be shared with Cowling Funeral Home:
www.cowlingfuneralhomeoh.com

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