Edward "Ed" Lee Pate, 81, of Overbrook, Kansas departed this life on Saturday, July 4, 2021. He was born December 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, Kansas.

On January 5, 1961, Ed joined the United States Air Force where he served his country for over twenty-four years, retiring on April 24, 1985 at Forbes Field Air Base in 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, Kansas. They shared over fifty-five years of marriage before Socorro passed away on November 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 in Carbondale, Kansas and the Happy Trails Antique Shop in Scranton, Kansas. 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, Kansas and Patrick Pate (Molly) of Overbrook, Kansas; sister, Betty Benson of Hutchison, Kansas; brother, C.R. Franklin Pate of Sierra Vista, Arizona; three grandchildren, Jade, Wyatt and Jesse Pate; two step grandchildren, Raven Silvers (Kourtnee) and Christopher Silvers; two step great grandchildren, Theo and Saige; other relatives and friends.

Graveside services with military honors will be held 10 A.M. Friday July 9, 2021 at the Barclay Cemetery, south of Osage City, Kansas. 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.