Retired Chief Master Sgt. Edward “Ed” Lee Pate, 81, of Overbrook, Kansas, departed this life 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 in Protection, Kansas. After high school, Ed attended Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.
Ed joined the Kansas Air National Guard Jan. 5, 1961, where he served his country for over 24 years, retiring April 24, 1985, from the 190th AirR Wing in Topeka. He was an aeromedical specialist and earned the rank of chief master sergeant.
In 1965, Ed was united in marriage to Socorro Limón in Belmont. They shared over 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 Socorro own and operate the Pepper Patch Mexican Restaurant in Carbondale and the Happy Trails Antique Shop in Scranton. 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 different 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) of Auburn and Patrick Pate (Molly) of Overbrook; sister Betty Benson of Hutchison; brother C.R. Franklin Pate of Sierra Vista, Arizona; grandchildren Jade, Wyatt and Jesse Pate; stepgrandchildren, Raven Silvers (Kourtnee) and Christopher Silvers; step-great-grandchildren Theo and Saige; other relatives and friends.
Graveside services with military honors will be held 10 a.m. July 9 at the Barclay Cemetery, south of Osage City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edward L. Pate Memorial Fund and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.
To leave a message for family and friends please visit the following web site: https://www.feltnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/edward-pate