Dewey's Prairie Song pioneer village creator, Kenneth P. Tate, dies at 89
Visionary craftsman and passionate historian Kenneth Tate died on Saturday, Sept 9, at the age of 89.
The 1800s pioneer village called Prairie Song in Dewey was started by Tate in 1983 when he constructed a single cabin in the woods.
Forty years later, the property has transformed into a 30-building village with a saloon, church, schoolhouse, and jail. All structures were built using classic pioneer methods and materials.
Prairie Song became a local treasure and an international attraction, drawing visitors from all continents for tours, weddings, and events.
Tate served on the boards of the Washington County Historical Society, Tom Mix Museum, and Dewey's Western Heritage Days. His dedication garnered multiple awards at the local, state, and national levels.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Moore Tate; two sons, Kenny D. Tate and Larry J. Tate; a stepdaughter, Linda Peale Owens; a stepson, Sherman Lucas; three brothers, Ronald Tate, Dale Tate, and Gary Tate; 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 and Wilma Wells.
Visitation is scheduled at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville on Sept. 14 and 15. A private memorial service and burial will be held at Prairie Song.
Due to current circumstances, the family is unable to receive in-home condolences, but online messages can be left on Tate's tribute page at stumpff.org.
Instead 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 about the memorial, contact the museum at 918-338-4292.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Creator of Dewey Prairie Song village, Kenneth P. Tate, dies at 89
