Edward “Ed” Lee Pate

OVERBROOK — Edward “Ed” Lee Pate, 81, died Sunday, July 4, 2021, at his home near Overbrook.

He was born Dec. 4, 1939, the son of Claude R. and Susie Adelle (Wilson) Pate. He graduated from Protection High School, Protection, in 1957. After high school, he attended Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina.

Ed joined the United States Air Force Jan. 5, 1961, where he served his country for over 24 years, retiring April 24, 1985, at Forbes Field Air Base, Topeka. 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. They shared over 55 years of marriage before Socorro’s death 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, Carbondale, and the Happy Trails Antique Shop, Scranton.

He enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour books and 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.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Socorro.

He is survived by his sons, Jay Ritchie Pate (Sandra), Auburn, and Patrick Pate (Molly), Overbrook; three grandchildren, Jade, Wyatt and Jesse Pate; two stepgrandchildren, Raven Silvers (Kourtnee) and Christopher Silvers; two stepgreat-grandchildren, Theo and Saige; a sister, Betty Benson, Hutchison; a brother, C.R. Franklin Pate, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services with military honors were held 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 Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.

Online condolences may be left for the family at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.