patron

a person who is a customer, client, or paying guest, especially a regular one, of a store, hotel, or the like.

a person who supports with money, gifts, efforts, or endorsement an artist, writer, museum, cause, charity, institution, special event, or the like:

a person whose support or protection is solicited or acknowledged by the dedication of a book or other work.

patron saint.

Roman History. the protector of a dependent or client, often the former master of a freedman still retaining certain rights over him.

Ecclesiastical. a person who has the right of presenting a member of the clergy to a benefice.