Harold Howard Pate, age 87, of Xenia, passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Heflin, Alabama. He was born April 1, 1939 the son of James E. and Eppie Mae (Newell) Pate.

Harold was greeted in Heaven by his wife of 63 years, Wanda Pate (deceased October 22, 2025) and their great granddaughter: Logann Smedley.

He is survived by his children: Pamela DeAnne (Dewayne) Snow Heflin, AL, Donald Howard (Fiancé: Jennifer Lynn Kurtz) Pate of Xenia, and Amy Melissa (Thomas) Salmons of Xenia; grandchildren: Ronald James Snow, Tabitha Leigh Snow-Pesnell, Zackery James (Valarie) Davis, Amissa Brooke (Jason) Smedley, and Dalton Garrett Pate; great grandchildren: Kotie LaShane Pesnell, Logann Smedley, Zayden Davis, Cooper Smedley, Pheobe Davis, and Dani Alizabeth Davis; and 2 boys he and his wife raised as their own: Adam and Kyle Mills, and sister: Mary Sue Stevens (Randy); numerous nieces and nephews.

Howard moved to Ohio at the age of 16, and went to work for DeWine Feed and Seed in Yellow Springs. It was there where he met the love of his life. Howard married Wanda Stevens Pate on May 2,1962.

Howard was a heavy equipment operator by trade. He started an excavation business in 1974. Howard owned and operated Pate Excavation until he retired at the age of 70. He was a respected member of his community, always ready to lend a helping hand.

He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched.

Funeral service will be held 12 Noon Tuesday, April 14th at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia with Rev. William Rowe officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial to follow beside his wife in Byron Cemetery, Fairborn.