GERALD L. PATTILLO

November 13, 1931 - November 12, 2020

Edmond, Oklahoma

Gerald's Obituary

Gerald Lee Pattillo - November 13, 1931 to November 12, 2020

Gerald Lee “Pat” Pattillo, 89, of Oklahoma City, OK passed away November 12, 2020. He was born on November 13, 1931 in Hosston, LA to Verna Claire Cauthorn and John Raymond Pattillo. He is survived by his 5 children and their spouses; Stacy Pattillo and Scott Williams, Claire and David Colbert, Brett and Alice Pattillo, Dana Pattillo and Elspeth Bloodgood, Steve and Tracy Massengale; 10 grandchildren; LeAnn, Jonathan, Kelsey, Karly, Chris, Casey, Shelby, Sarah, Leila and Ariel; 7 great grandchildren; Andy, Keegan, Coleman, Eden, Oliver, Jenson, Jentri; sister in-law Peggy Pattillo; brother in-law Ardell Mayton. He was preceded in death by his two wives Peggy and Pat; his brother Jim, sister Martha; and two grandchildren, Bradley and Katelyn.

Pat enjoyed life to the fullest and was always looking at the positive things it brought.

Pat was born in Hosston, LA, but spent the first 16 years of his life in east Texas. His dad worked as a welder on the oil pipelines. They lived in Carlisle, Texas for many years until his dad found a more permanent job with Sinclair and moved the family to Luling, Texas in 1947. Pat was fond of his days in Luling where he played football as varsity starter and graduated from Luling High School in 1949. He said those days made him tough.

Upon graduating, Pat went to work for the City of Luling Utilities, digging power pole holes, building power lines and running services to homes and businesses. In 1951, at age 19, he joined the Air Force, where he served in Korea and always credited his military experience to changing his life path. The military gave him the skills he needed to make his way in the business world.

Pat served the last year in the military in Enid, Oklahoma where he met his first wife Peggy Robinson. They were married in 1955. After discharge from the Air Force, he enrolled at OCU in the field of electronics and Peggy transferred to OKC with Southwestern Bell where they made their home. Pat and Peggy had four children together – Dana, Stacy, Claire and Brett.

In 1956, while still at OCU, Pat got a part time job with R.K. Black, Inc. This soon became a full-time job and he formed a strong relationship with the owner, Bob Black. He was the first employee of RKB, Inc. and kept this career for 30 years where he learned many tricks of the trade. After retiring from RKB, Inc. in 1986, he branched off with his own business from the bonds formed there and started GLP Communications.

Pat and Peggy had their struggles raising four kids.  Money was tight, but they always managed to take a family vacation each year and spend time together at the lake or just enjoy the beauty of trees changing color in the fall. Peggy passed unexpectantly in 1978.

Seven years later, Pat met his second wife Patricia Massengale in 1985. Mrs. Pat had a grown son Steve, who became an important part of his family and a brother to his four children.

In 1986, when Mr. & Mrs. Pat started GLP Communications, Inc. they had their own struggles with starting a new business. They were always grateful for the support his friend and mentor Bob Black provided. They eventually grew the company and owned it for 14 years before retiring for a second time in 2001. Mr. and Mrs. Pat enjoyed many years of their free time in retirement together.

Mr. Pat always enjoyed OU football. He started attending games in the 1950’s and had season tickets for over 45 years. He passed his love of OU football to his children. When he was unable to attend games, he shared his season tickets with them. They still continue to gather in Norman and attend OU games in the same seats he purchased in the 1950’s.

Mr. Pat had always been an avid fisherman. He and his first wife Peggy took their kids on week long camping trips to the lake. He would also take his kids on weekend fishing trips any chance he could, sleeping in the van and getting up at day break to fish.

Mr. Pat bought a place on Lake Eufaula in 1980. At the lake, he found his perfect getaway place. He spent many weekends there with family and lake friends. Again, he passed his love for the lake on to his family. Outgrowing his lake house, his children joined him with a lake place of their own. Many family memories have been made there and continue on with the third generation of his family enjoying the lake experience.

In 2014, Mr. Pat lost his second wife Mrs. Pat. They had 30 wonderful years together and she took great care of him.

Mr. Pat was a diligent walker. Mrs. Pat had asked the lady walkers in their neighborhood if Mr. Pat could join them, so he began walking with neighbor ladies Suzanne and Robbie for many years. In 2019, it became too much for him to continue the exercise as his health began to decline.

He had to move to assisted living in 2019 where his health continued to decline. Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease required him to move to a memory care unit, but this did not work for him. In April, 2020, he moved in with his son and daughter in-law. This was a blessing in disguise. The care for him brought his already close family even closer together.

Mr. Pat was not a perfect man. He once said “if you are going to fall try to fall forward.”

A father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Mr. Pat instilled the value of family upon his loved ones. He led by example and taught his family how to come together and rally when someone is in need. He did all this in combination with teaching his family how to be responsible for their actions. “In every struggle, there is always hope. Even in the most trying times, you can find happiness. Look for the positive and you will find it.”

He demonstrated that you don’t have to be perfect to have a great and positive influence. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. A celebration of his life will be held and announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.