Edwin F. Dater

It is with great sadness that the family of Edwin Francis Dater announces his peaceful passing on January 11, 2026 at the age of 90, in Apache Junction, Arizona.

Born on July 21, 1935 in Antonino, Kansas, Ed was a resident of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a devoted husband, father and friend.

Ed graduated from Garden City High school in 1953 and later earned a degree from the University of Kansas. Ed was a standout basketball player at KU (alongside Wilt Chamberlain) and played in the NCAA triple overtime national championship game in 1957. He went on to a short career with the AAA Cincinnati Reds.

In 1959, Ed moved to Oklahoma City to teach at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School where he was also the head basketball coach and assistant football coach. In 1961 he became a State Farm Insurance Agent and had a 64-year award-winning and productive career, retiring only last year.

Ed married his hometown sweetheart, Pauline Michel, on May 25, 1959 in Garden City, Kansas and together they shared a life filled with family, tradition, sacrifice and a true love for each other.

Ed was a devoted Catholic his whole life and loved his family, gardening, writing, woodworking, golf and especially slow pitch softball.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Pauline, his daughter, Christie, his sons, Steven, Bradley, Craig and their families, many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his youngest sister, Leona. He is preceded in death by his brother and four sisters.

Ed's mass will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 4201 S. McKinley Ave. in Oklahoma City on Monday, January 19th at 10:30 am and laid to rest at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery, 500 SW 104th St., Oklahoma City following the mass.

To express condolences, please visit www.Resthavenokc.com.