Larry Joe Pate was born on July 27, 1939, at his home in Barnsdall, Oklahoma to Harvey M. Pate and Louise Mable (Alexander) Pate. He was a graduate with the Tulsa Will Rogers High School Class of 1957. He was married to former classmate, Virginia (Crain) Pate on November 6, 1959 at Calvary Baptist Church in Tulsa. Larry enlisted his country honorably in the United States Air Force for four years and then was with the Air National Guard for two more years. The Pates made their home in Tulsa where their three sons were born.
In 1972 the Pate family moved to Oologah, Oklahoma and loved attending the school sponsored sports, music, plays and FFA projects in which their sons participated. While living in Oologah, Larry was employed by Midstates Analytical Laboratories in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma as a metallurgical technician and department manager. The job necessitated staying abreast of new developments and test methods within the field and he spent many hours attending schools of instruction and correspondence courses. In 1995 he was appointed manager of the machine department and soon became a source of information for both departments to a great number of clientele and fellow employees. While at Midstates Laboratories, he became interested in computers and developed several programs to assist in maintaining databases pertaining to customers, pricing and job quotations. He retired in 2003 following 30 years of service.
Larry’s hobbies included photography, genealogy, amateur radio, and custom knife making. He even wrote a “fictional” book about his high school life titled “Will on Th’ Hill. He also loved singing Barbershop harmony with several quartets through the years. His musical talent also allowed him to perform solo work as well as trio and quartet presentations during church activities. He was especially proud to have served as church interim music director while the Search Committee looked for a full-time department director.
Larry is survived by:
His wife of over 63 years;
Virginia Pate
3 Sons;
Brett Pate and wife Linda
David Pate and wife Jeanetta
Andy Pate and wife Teri
8 Grandchildren;
Jami Littlejohn and husband Ryan, Allison Neale and husband Anthony, Sean Pate and wife Ashley, Alex Pate, Stephanie Pate, Nicole Arnold and fiancé Jeffery, Matt Pate and wife Jordan, and Zack Pate.
10 Great grand children;
Milana Flamminio, Blake Littlejohn, Lakyn Littlejohn, Dominic Neale, Skyler Neale, Kaden Arnold, Kensley Arnold, Kaylee Arnold, and Rohen Pate
Brother;
Charles Pate and wife Rita
And many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Louise, and two sisters, Carol and Peggy.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso. Graveside and interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Oologah.
