WALTER LEE PATE, 49, of Cambridge, Kansas, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 8, 2010 at the Robert Dole VA Hospital in Wichita.

Born on August 14, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri, he was the son of O. Murray and Frances (Jeffries) Pate. He was raised and received his education in Kansas City, Kansas and later Wellsville, Kansas. Walter attended Kansas State University.

Walter served as an Airbornne Ranger in the 82nd Division of the 1st Infantry from June of 1980 until June of 1983. He was in the Reserves until June of 1986. In 2004, he moved to Cambridge.

He was united in marriage to Marsha Hull on May 21, 2004 at Island Park in Winfield. The couple made their home in Cambridge. Walter was a self-employed drywaller. He was a member of the Burden Baptist Church, the VFW in Wellsville, and the Winfield VFW. His hobbies included racing dirt track cars, as well as sports and modified cars.

His family includes:
His wife: Marsha of the home;
His daughter: Dannielle Donovan of DeSoto, KS;
His step-daughter: Tiara Baker of Cambridge, KS;
His mother: Frances Pate of Wellsville, KS;
His brother: Dennis Pate of Wellsville, KS;
His sisters: Jeannie McAlexander of Tonganoxie, KS; Sharon Caruthers of Wellsville, KS: and Jeffie Aguirre of Ottawa, KS.
He was preceded in death by his father, O. Murray Pate; and an infant son, Richard Pate.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M., Friday, July 16, 2010 at the Burden Baptist Church. Inurnment will take place at a later date. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Thursday, July 15, 2010.

A fund has been set up to help the family defray funeral expenses. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.