Pat was born January 5, 1945 in Altus OK. He was raised by his grandparents, Ruth and Walter Chennault. He attended school in Altus from first grade through junior college at S.W. Oklahoma State, and completed his education at the University of Oklahoma. He met and married Christine(Droll)Chennault in 1968. They had two sons, Russell and Jonathan. In 1967 he enlisted in the US Army and served in various stateside locations as well as Vietnam. He was a test pilot for the night vision laboratories, and flew AH-1G gunship helicopters during his tour in Vietnam. Pat also served as an instructor pilot prior to being Honorably Discharged from the Army at the rank of Captain in September 1973. From 1973-1979 Pat worked as a professional photographer, establishing a studio which he named "House of Portraits" in Duncan, OK, and later opening a second studio in Lawton. On December 11, 1978, Pat joined the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a manager in the component prep area of the plant. Pat met Sylvia (Rebsch) Beck while at Goodyear, and they were married on September 30, 1993 in Lawton. Pat and Sylvia both retired from Goodyear on June 30, 2002. Pat enjoyed "self- education" and was proficient with a computer long before the internet arrived. He taught himself how to play the guitar and violin, and eventually made several violins from scratch. His tenacity and ability especially came into play when he built his 26' sailboat, the MARIAH. Pat will be remembered as an intelligent man who devoted himself to his family, work and self-improvement.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; two sons and daughters-in-law, Russell and Brenda Chennault, and Jonathan and Melani Chennault; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Stacey Beck; a step-daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and Andy Walton; a sister Mahala Fletcher; 11 grandchildren, Brian Chennault, Mitch, Keith and Kylee Valentine; Meagan and Garrett Chennault; Hannah and Courtney Beck; Regan, Ryan and Riley Walton; and three great grandchild, Lexa, Jax and Jimmy Valentine. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Faith Hospice, 1836 NW 52nd, Ste D, Lawton, OK, 73505.