Judge Howard L. "Pat" Patterson Jr., of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, USA, served as president of The International Association of Lions Clubs following his election at the association's 80th International Convention, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 30-July 5, 1997.

Past President Patterson, a Senior Status Chancery Court Judge, is a member of his local, state, and American Bar Association. Prior to his election as Chancery Judge in 1966, he was City Prosecuting Attorney, City Judge and a practicing attorney for 11 years.

A Lion since 1958, Past President Patterson is a Life Member of the Hattiesburg Lions Club with a record of 27 years perfect attendance. He has served as district governor, treasurer of the Multiple District Council of Governors, president of the Mississippi Lions Sight Foundation and director of Lions World Services for the Blind. Past President Patterson was a member of the association's board of directors from 1975-77.

In recognition of his work on behalf of the association, members of his home club named Past President Patterson Lion of the Year. He has also received a 100% District Governor Award, a Key Member Award, 14 International President's Awards, two International Leadership Awards, the Mississippi Sight Foundation Leadership Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed upon association members. He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and a member of the Mississippi Lions Hall of Fame.

For his civic efforts, Past President Patterson was selected as one of Hattiesburg's five Outstanding Young Men in 1959, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1965 and was also named one of Hattiesburg's Ten Outstanding Men in 1972.

Past President Patterson and his wife, Brenda, have three children and four grandchildren.

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