Matt Drake Pate III

Drake Pate, 73, of Houston passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at MD Anderson Cancer Center. His wife Vickie was by his side as he ascended peacefully to Heaven to be with God in his Kingdom.

Drake was born on February 5, 1951 in Beaumont, Texas to Matt and Jeannine Pate. Drake was raised in Beaumont and graduated from French High School in 1969. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University before moving to Houston in 1978 to pursue a career in the oil & gas industry. He met the love of his life, Vickie in Houston at work and they married April Fool’s Day in 1979.

Drake was a curious child. He always wanted to know how things worked. Therefore, giving him reason to take a piece of equipment apart to understand the mechanics of how it worked. His innate abilities to understand mechanics of the how and why, led to a very successful career in the oil & gas industry. He worked for several oil and gas service companies over the years including the many buy-outs of Ajax, Cooper-Cameron, and GE for thirty plus years. He retired in 2018, but many of his clients continued to call on him for advice. Drake mentored many colleagues throughout his career and thoroughly enjoyed sharing his knowledge. He had thrilling adventures and enjoyed traveling to many foreign countries around the world to problem solve solutions. He was known as ‘Mr. Ajax’ or the MD of compressors.

Drake and Vickie’s special love for each other bonded them as one for forty-five years. Their song is ‘Someone Like You’, by Van Morrison. His witty sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. He could light-up a room with laughter.

Drake loved LIFE! He worshiped as a Methodist, loved God, country, family and friends. He was blessed with many life-long friendships, especially with Ben Ralph Shipman, who was like a brother. Drake was always there to lend a helping hand to others in need. He also had a special bond with his Ajax brotherhood of friends in addition to clients through the years.

Drake had rhythm in playing the drums and piano in his teenage years and loved all genres of music. He liked traveling, BBQ Competitions, and all things on the water. He was an avid Astros and Texans fan. His last regret was that he wasn’t around long enough to vote for TRUMP.

Drake is survived by his wife, Vickie; sister-in-law, Rhonda Crawford; sister, Paula Diane Beaty and her husband Dale, and special friends and family.

Drake is preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law, Carolyn Crawford, and brother-in-law Larry Crawford.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home at 13001 Katy Freeway. The Texas Liberty Mausoleum Chapel on Reflections Lake is located at the back of the cemetery near Memorial Drive east of Eldridge.

A very grateful thank you to Dr. Ryan Huey and his team, in addition to the Doctors and Staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center who have cared for him since 2016. We also owe a big thank you to his Physical Therapist, David Davidson, for his steadfast therapy & encouragement. Drake fought courageously through three cancer battles. He is now at peace in God’s Kingdom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project,

MD Anderson Children’s Art Project, Houston SPCA or a charity of your choice.