Kenny Pate

Kenneth A. “Kenny” Pate, 86, of Monrovia, passed from this life due to heart failure on Monday, February 23, 2026, while in the care of Miller’s Merry Manor in Mooresville. He was born in Indianapolis on April 13, 1939, to the late Kenneth Keith and Francis Marie (Hufford) Pate. Kenny attended Helmsburg High School with the class of 1957, and met his future wife, Norma, and the love of his life while on the school bus. The two fought over who would ride in the back seat and instantly hit it off. They were united in marriage on June 28, 1958, and spent 70 years loving each other, bringing five children into their union. He was a skilled machinist who worked for Speedway Machine and Tool, later for Hamblen Gage, and when he retired, he was one of the top tool makers in the Indianapolis region. A talented musician, Kenny could play anything with strings and even taught himself to play the violin in his 80s. Norma gets extra credit for her restraint during this learning period. He took up whittling later in life and with an X-acto knife and a hand drill, he created some pretty impressive whimsies from a solid block of wood. He was known in the community as "The Bicycle Repairman". Neighbors would randomly drop off bicycles that he would rehabilitate with new parts and a skillful paint job and then give away to anyone who needed one. In addition, he was a member of the Schwinn Bicycle Club, as well as the Buick Olds Pontiac Club. Kenny was an extraordinary human being. He loved little kids, cats, dogs, music and his family. He was endlessly inquisitive and a lifelong learner, amassing the entire collection of DVDs from The Great Courses. He was quick witted and funny. His lectures were legendary and really funny to witness ... especially if you weren't the person the lecture was aimed at. A loving husband and father, he was as honest and ethical as they come, and taught his children the value of hard work, dedication, and patience. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. Kenny joins his daughter, Anita Jackson in the afterlife, along with his brothers, Charles, Wayne, Earnie, and David H. Pate. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma Alice (Brummett) Pate of Monrovia; children, David K. Pate of Monrovia, Katy Pate of GA, James Pate of OH, and John Pate of Shelbyville; siblings, Forrest Pate of Hope, Judy Toney of Danville, and Sandy Pate of Bloomington; son-in-law, Scott Jackson of Rushville; brother-in-law, Norman Brummett (Kay) of Whiteland; grandchildren, Sean and Joe Hooper, Vicki Crosby, Amanda Pate (Dante), Andrew Pate, and Britini; and several great grandchildren. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 11:00am until a Celebration of Life Service begins at 1:00pm. Pastor Keenan Steinway will officiate the services. Burial will immediately follow in Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery, Martinsville. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Kenny’s memory, please visit his tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Kenny Pate

April 13, 1939 - February 23, 2026