Kenneth "Pat" Edward Pinckard

Growing up in Slapout, Oklahoma, Pat often joked later in life that he never made it very far. For nearly 40 years, he lived just a block from the house in Laverne where he was born – a home where he and Florence raised their two daughters and built a life together before moving to Edmond in 2004. But those who knew him knew his life reached far and wide.

His story began on the family farm in Slapout, where his roots first took hold. Pat was born April 5, 1939, the only child of Kenneth and Levona Pinckard. He passed away April 4, 2026, just one day shy of his 87th birthday.

He attended Overstreet School through the eighth grade, then continued at Laverne Schools, graduating with the Class of 1957. He went on to attend Northwestern in Alva for a year. On Aug. 21, 1960, he married the love of his life, Florence Aldrich.

That same year, Pat began his career with what was then the Michigan-Wisconsin Pipeline Company. He later became a foreman and retired in 1995.

In the early 1970s, Pat and Florence managed the local bowling alley. You’d find Pat behind the counter renting shoes, behind the lanes fixing the machines or bowling on league night. Pat enjoyed hunting, and it was a treat for the family when he’d bring home a mess of quail.

Laverne Tiger football fans may remember his enthusiasm as he announced the games for several years at Kilmer Field. He also enjoyed calling the horse races in Laverne and Woodward. He also served his hometown community as vice-mayor.

Throughout his life, Pat would often say, “Man, this is a long way from Slapout,” or “That’s not bad for a guy from Slapout,” as he experienced new places and opportunities. Yet the roots he developed in that small Panhandle community ran deep, and he never forgot where he came from.

Pat and Florence shared a love of travel. When their daughters were young, family vacations to Cimarron Canyon in New Mexico became cherished traditions. They also enjoyed trips to Las Vegas, where on one memorable occasion, they nearly missed their flight home while Florence was having some last-minute luck on an airport slot machine.

In retirement, they embraced adventure even more, purchasing a motorhome and traveling to 49 states, Canada, Mexico and the Maritime Provinces. They made a point to include their five grandsons in many of those journeys, from spring break getaways to summer vacations – including a weeklong road trip to Seattle that led to an Alaskan cruise with the entire family.

In 2004, Pat and Florence moved to Edmond to be closer to their daughters and their families. They rarely missed a band or orchestra concert, school event or sporting activity. One of Pat’s most meaningful commitments was the weekend breakfast program at Southern Hills Christian Church in Edmond, where he gave his time in service to people from all walks of life.

To those who knew him, Pat was a man of integrity, honesty and unwavering devotion to his family. He was a steady presence – the family’s guiding light, a shoulder to lean on, and the very best Dad and Grampy. His life was well lived. Among the many lessons he shared, one piece of advice stands out: You’ll never go wrong by doing the right thing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence; and their infant son, Kenneth Leroy Pinckard. He is survived by his daughters, Pam Richardson and her husband, Bill, of Edmond, Oklahoma; and Trisha Gedon and her husband, Carl, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; his grandsons, Kyle Richardson and his wife, April, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Patrick Richardson and his wife, Jamie, of Oklahoma City; Riley Richardson and his girlfriend, Teddi Fokas, of Oklahoma City; Spencer Gedon and his fiancée, Callie Collins, of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and Carson Gedon of Perkins, Oklahoma; as well as four great-granddaughters, Florence Ann Richardson and Ella Mae Richardson of Fort Smith, and Adeline and Elizabeth Collins of Stillwater.