PATE, Wilmer G. Age 80 of Hamilton, Ohio, died peacefully at home Monday, April 9, 2007 after a long illness with his wife, Sue, by his side. He was born February 14, 1927 and was a lifelong resident of Hamilton. He was the son of Hampton and Ora Theo (Young) Pate, and graduated from Hamilton High School in 1945. Wilmer and Sue (Etchison) were married on December 6, 1953 in the First United Church of Christ and enjoyed over 53 years together. Wilmer served 2 years in the Army following World War II in Germany from 1945 to 1947. He was employed at Fisher Body of General Motors for 38 years, retiring in 1986. Wilmer loved gardening, and every year he grew a wide assortment of produce to share with his family and friends. He also enjoyed walking, reading, and listening to Opera. He was a 50 year member of Masonic Lodge #159 of Camden, Ohio. Wilmer leaves his beloved wife, Sue (Etchison) Pate, and 3 children: Steve, and his wife Ruth, of Seattle, Washington; Mike, and his wife Tari, of Hamilton; Joanne, and her husband Mike Handley, also of Hamilton. He also leaves 4 grandchildren: Spencer Pate, Lindsay Pate, and Amy and Scott Handley, all of whom he was extremely proud. Wilmer is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Davison and Catherine Geisler, and one brother, Bill. He is also survived by one brother-in-law, Tom Etchison, and his wife JoElla, and one sister-in-law, Janice (Etchison) Cayse, and her husband Russ, and many nieces and nephews. His family will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Hampton and Theo (Young) Pate, and his brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Mary Pate, and brothers-in-law, Paul Davison and Carl Geisler. In lieu of funeral services, Wilmer has donated his body to the University of Cincinnati Medical School in honor of Dr. Joseph Freiberg. Memorials in his memory may be donated to the American Cancer Society and/or Hospice of Cincinnati, Hamilton Unit. The family would like to thank Dr. Paula Weisenberger and the Hospice of Sunrise for their outstanding care. Paul R. Young Funeral Home 3950 Pleasant Ave. Hamilton serving the family.
Published in Journal-News on Apr. 12, 2007