OVERBROOK, Kan. – Edward “Ed” Lee Pate, 81, of Overbrook, Kan., departed this life Saturday, July 4, 2021. He was born Dec. 4, 1939, the son of Claude R. and Susie Adelle (Wilson) Pate.
He graduated in 1957 from Protection High School, Protection, Kan. After high school, Ed attended Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, Kan.
On Jan. 5, 1961, Ed joined the United States Air Force, where he served his country for more than 24 years, retiring on April 24, 1985, at Forbes Field Air Base, Topeka, Kan. He was an aeromedical specialist, and earned the rank of chief master sergeant (E-9).
In 1965, Ed was united in marriage to Socorro Limón, in Belmont, Kan. They shared more than 55 years of marriage before Socorro passed away Nov. 26, 2020. To this union they shared two sons, Jay Ritchie and Patrick.
Ed spent most of his retirement helping his wife, Socorro, own and operate the Pepper Patch Mexican Restaurant, Carbondale, Kan., and the Happy Trails Antique Shop, Scranton, Kan. Ed enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour Western books, and he always dreamed of traveling the beautiful landscape of the high mountains in Montana. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially when it came to bringing all kinds of animals around for his family’s enjoyment.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Socorro.
Ed is survived by his two sons, Jay Ritchie Pate (Sandra), Auburn, Kan., and Patrick Pate (Molly), Overbrook, Kan.; sister, Betty Benson, Hutchison, Kan.; brother, C.R. Franklin Pate, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Jade, Wyatt and Jesse Pate; two step-grandchildren, Raven Silvers (Kourtnee) and Christopher Silvers; two step-great-grandchildren, Theo and Saige; and other relatives and friends.
Graveside services with military honors will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 9, at Barclay Cemetery, south of Osage City, Kan.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Edward L. Pate Memorial Fund and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
