Michael Paul Pate, widower, passed away on the evening of April 8^th, 2018 at Missouri Baptist hospital. Mr. Pate is survived by three children: Mike (Maria), Ted (Charlee), Matt (Martha) and was preceded in death by his beloved son Mark. He also leaves behind four grandchildren, Nicole, Jason, Quade and Chloe.

Mike grew up in Birmingham, AL, the only son of John and Ann Pate. After the early death of his father he became heavily involved in the ROTC program at the Woodlawn High School and upon graduation enlisted in the USMC. While in the Marine Corps he qualified as a Marine Embassy Guard and was stationed in Moscow and Geneva. While serving in Geneva he met and later married Carol (Mohr) Pate and remained with her until her death in 2013.

After his tour in USMC he transferred to the AL ANG and later to the Co C 19^th SF GP(Abn) 1^st SF in the Montana Army National Guard. He applied for the US Army’s Officer’s Candidate School and was later commissioned as an Armor Officer and then serving in Vietnam. As a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned numerous award for heroism, including the Purple Heart, multiple Bronze Stars and Silver Star. Later assigned to the USAR he went on to achieve the rank of Major and supported such projects as the Sgt York Anti-Aircraft system, APACHE (AH-64) attack, and the KIOWA (OH-58D) reconnaissance helicopters.

During his civilian career he continued to serve in the defense industry as a trainer and systems expert. He taught heavy equipment and construction engineering in Iraq, Azerbaijan, and the Ukraine. He worked as production engineer/estimator on the following systems: Global Hawk, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, AV-8BII, F-15, F-18, C-17, F-22, T-45 and AIS Programs.

In later life Mike was very passionate in his support for Veterans. He was deeply involved in many efforts to improve the quality of care and concern for Veterans both locally and nationally. Although he suffered from multiple health issues related to his service he was always available to support, mentor, and guide veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan always with the focus of helping them get the care they deserve. His tireless actions resulted in him being acknowledge by the Warrior Wellness Alliance, the State of Missouri, and a personal meeting with former President Bush.

Services and interment will be held this Friday, April 27^th 2018 at 10am, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, in Saint Louis, Missouri. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to one or more of the following organizations he was heavily involved with: Mission 22 – Prevention of Veteran’s Suicides, St Louis Chamber of Commerce Working Warriors, Franklin Country Honor Flight, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Focus Marines Foundation.