Kenneth Plesant Tate

Traditions of yesteryear he preserved and held so dear; Born a hundred years too late, the “Old West’s Champion,” Kenneth Tate. Kenneth P. Tate, 89, passed away on September 9, 2023. He was born on April 22, 1934 in Bartlesville, OK to P.W. “Bill” and Ruby (Hawkins) Tate. He attended Highland Park Elementary, Rice Creek School, and graduated from College High School, Bartlesville, OK in 1952. Kenneth was involved in farming from a very young age, helping his father in his dairy, cattle and hay businesses. As a young adult he worked at Reda Pump in Bartlesville. In the early 60’s he started his own trucking business, Kenneth Tate Equipment, with a truck given to him by his uncle Leonard Tate. He specialized in building materials, mostly brick and pipe, with contracts that took him from coast to coast. He found his true passion and calling in Prairie Song, the 1800’s pioneer village he built on the Moore Ranch, east of Dewey. It started in 1983 with a single cabin in the woods to just “get away from it all.” Forty years later, Prairie Song has evolved into an extensive village of 30 authentic buildings, constructed with classic pioneer methods and materials and furnished in period form. His craftsmanship and creativity are most evident in the saloon, church, schoolhouse, jail, hardware store, and blacksmith’s shop. Tours, events, weddings, and festivals brought visitors from every continent to experience the Old West through his eyes. As his wife, Marilyn, recalled, “Kenneth was a man who had a dream, created his dream, and lived his dream.” The creation of Prairie Song sparked his involvement in numerous community organizations. He served on the boards of the Washington County Historical Society, Tom Mix Museum, and Dewey’s Western Heritage Days. Kenneth has received numerous local, state, and national awards for his dedication to preserving history. Anyone who knew Kenneth knew about the special “gals” in his life, Maggie, Sophie, and Rosie, the Yorkshire Terriers and constant companions he has adored over the last 38 years. Whether he was mowing, going to the hardware store, or enjoying an episode of Gunsmoke in his recliner, you would never see that cantankerous old fella without one of his special gals in the crook of his arm. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Moore Tate of Dewey, OK; two sons, Kenny D. Tate and Larry J. Tate, both of Bartlesville, OK; a stepdaughter, Linda Peale Owens of Tulsa, OK; a stepson, Sherman Lucas of Peyton, CO; three brothers, Ronald Tate of Bartlesville, OK, Dale Tate of Charleston, SC, and Gary Tate of Fritch, TX; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Tate and daughter-in-law, Sherry Tate; sisters Rena Mae King, Norma Robinson, both of Bartlesville, OK; and sister Wilma Wells of North Carolina. Visitation will be held at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville on Thursday, September 14th from 9 am to 5 pm and on Friday, September 15th from 9 am to 7 pm. A private memorial service and burial will take place at Prairie Song. Due to current circumstances the family is unable to receive condolences or visits in the home. Online condolences for the family can be left at stumpff.org In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to support the Bartlesville Area History Museum. Donations can be sent to: 401 S Johnstone Ave, Bartlesville OK, 74005. For questions, please contact the museum at 918-338-4292.

Kenneth Plesant Tate

April 22, 1934 - September 9, 2023