Dr. Wilda Evelyn Pate-Martin, 80, of Sedalia, died Thursday, December 2, 2004, at Sylvia
G. Thompson Residence Center.
She was born August 24, 1924, in Climax Springs, daughter of William and Jewel Simmons
Pate. In Alva, Okla., she was married to Dr. J.W. Martin, who preceded her in death.
Dr. Pate-Martin was born in an old log cabin, a birthplace she considered unique. Her
brothers and sisters read to her and taught her the alphabet and numbers. Her attendance of a rural school added to a lifelong love of learning. She also attended school in Sedalia and Climax Springs, where she graduated valedictorian of her eighth grade and senior classes. Throughout her school years, she tutored other students and helped teachers. She was involved in all sports, music, and community and church affairs. She obtained a bachelors of science and masters degree in education from Central Missouri State University, and an education doctorate degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla. She had additional certification from Oklahoma City University, University of Oklahoma, University of Missouri, Trinity University and
University of Southern California.
As a result of wartime, before pursuing her career as a teacher, she helped build B25
airplanes. After Victory in Europe Day, she was transferred to Sunflower Ordinance Works, where she was a lab technician. She tested rocket-firing instruments.
She taught elementary school for twelve years at various schools in Missouri. She taught
seven years as adjunct professor at Central Missouri State University and sixteen years, in addition to summer sessions, at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where she was head of the elementary education program.
She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, American Association of University Women,
National Education Association, Oklahoma Education Association and Student Oklahoma
Education Association. She was a member of Smithton United Methodist Church before moving to Oklahoma, where she was a member of Alva Methodist Church. She took part in garden clubs and both the Oklahoma and National Nature Conservancies.
She enjoyed fishing, sewing, cooking, crafts, computing, writing, learning and gardening.
She was a test researcher for Jackson Perkins roses and had the honor of getting two roses named.
Survivors include two nieces and three nephews; nine great nieces and nephews; eleven
great great nieces and nephews; and two sisters-in-law.
She was predeceased by a daughter, Rita Gae.
Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2004, at Highland Sacred Gardens, with the Rev. Dan Swearengin officiating.
Pallbearers will be Chris Crouch, James Driskill, Jason Pate, William James Siegel, Andrew
Micheal and Jeramia Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. Saturday at Heckart/Gillespie Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to American Cancer Society or American
Heart Association.
