John Robert Pate Pioneer Citizen Passes Away J. R. Pate, who came to Weleetka community in 1900, died at the family home in this city Sunday after being in ill health for several months. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. O. Bigbie at the First Baptist church Tuesday afternoon and the internment was made in the Hillcrest cemetery, the Weleetka Funeral Home in charge. John Robert Pate was the son of Bird and Susan Pate of Jamestown, Ark, and was born July 4th, 1880. He married Virginia Cullens in 1899. The family came to Indian Territory in 1900. He had been a member of the Baptist church since a youth. When Mr. Pate came to Weleetka community, he farmed for a number of years, moving to town in 1916. He served as custodian of the Weleetka school property for a number of years until his health failed. Survivors are the wife, Mrs. Virginia Pate; one son, Marvin Pate of Edmond; two sisters, Mrs. J. W. Lassiter of Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. Jennie Barnes of Desha, Ark. and one brother, Bill Pate of Okmulgee. Nita's Notes: I have repeatedly mistakenly stated that J. R. Pate lived and died in Edmond, OK. This obituary states his son Marvin Pate was the one who lived in Edmond, OK. Each of this family's obituaries states Mollie Pate's name as Mrs. J. W. Lassiter. Wonder if she was still married to Mr. Lassiter whereas Jennie Pate is listed as Jennie Barnes, perhaps Jennie's husband had died or she was divorced. Jennie Pate Barnes apparently did not migrate to OK with the others. John Robert Pate, his wife, Virginia (Virgie/Vergie), Marvin and Melvin Pate are buried together in a dedicated plot in the Hillcrest Cemetery. Bird, Susan Hankins Pate, son, Wm. D. (Bill/Willie) and an unnamed baby, buried at Susan Pate's feet, who apparently was born and died in 1931, are buried together in another plot in a separate area of Hillcrest Cemetery.