Pat Pate, Sr. passed away March 10, 2011 in Poteau, OK. He was born on August 15, 1931 in Wellington, Texas to Bill & Sue Pate and was raised in Quail Texas as a child then moved to Austin Texas for his teen years. He and His wife Jan moved their family to Poteau, Oklahoma in 1961.
He served 8 years as District Judge for LeFlore, Latimer and Haskell County, Oklahoma, 4 years as Associate District Judge in LeFlore County and served four years in the LeFlore County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He received a Degree in Geology and a L.L.B. at Sol Ross University, in Alpine, Texas. He obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He later obtained several graduate certifications from the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. He was a member of the Oklahoma and Arkansas Bar Association for 50 years, and former member of the Oklahoma Judicial Conference.
Pat was an All-State football player for the Austin, Texas Maroons playing on the first National Televised State Championship Game against Wichita Falls. He served his Country as a Paratrooper in the Eighty-Second Airborne Division United States Army. He worked as a rough-neck while obtaining his Geology Degree.
Pat was a charter member and past president of the Poteau Evening Lions Club and served two years as Zone Chairman. He was awarded a Lifetime Membership to the Lions Club in 1996. He was a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and a 32nd Degree Mason.
Pat was a member of First Baptist Church in Poteau and served 4 years as President and Director of Kiamichi Baptist Assembly. He spent fifteen years helping to sponsor the youth of KBA during their annual summer assembly. He was a former President of the Eastern Oklahoma Gideon Camp and was a frequent speaker for the Gideon’s throughout Eastern Oklahoma.
Pat was preceded in death by three brothers, Whit Pate of Howe, OK, Billy Joe Pate of Poteau, OK and Jim Pate of Prescott, Arizona; and one grandson, Steve Queen.
Pat is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jan Pate; one brother, H.D. & “Pretty” Pat Pate of Bridge City, TX; four sons, Tom & Joleta Pate of Kingwood, Texas, Davy & Charlotte Pate of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, Kevin & Cindy Pate of Norman, OK; Pat Pate Jr. of Poteau , OK and Special daughter-in-law, Karen Nolan of Poteau, OK; 13 grandchildren, Amy & Josh Burum, Aaron & Alan Pate, Meredith & Dusty Pate, Kimberly Pate, Jess & Willis Pate, Sharina Martindale, Amy & Kate Patton, Mark Queen; 6 great-grandchildren, Brayden, Dylan, Jordan, Keirsten, Emery & William.
A memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church at Poteau, OK, on Friday, March 18, at 11:00 am; Rev. Phillip McGehee Officiating.