In Loving Memory of Dr. Pat

It is with profound sadness and immeasurable love that we announce the passing of Dr. Patricio “Dr. Pat, Popsie, Pater" Avila, a devoted physician, beloved husband, loyal friend, and cherished patriarch whose remarkable life touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on March 17, 1938, in Lucena, Philippines to the late Vicente and Apollonia Avila, Dr. Pat’s life was defined by helping others, integrity, hard work, and boundless curiosity about people and the world. He was known for his sharp mind, quick wit, loyalty, deep compassion, and an unwavering belief to do what is right — qualities that would shape both his medical career and his relationships throughout life.

Growing up on the small island of Alabat, Philippines, he would fish and ride a boat to the mainland to shine shoes to help the family, and by 1961 he graduated from Far Eastern University College of Medicine as a general surgeon. After immigrating to the United States in 1967, he completed his medical residency at Deaconess Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri in 1971 and became ‘Dr. Pat’. Soon after and alongside his beloved wife, Dr. Estrella Avila, they stood on the front lines of the cholera epidemic, demonstrating the compassion, courage, and dedication that defined both their partnership and their calling. They built a thriving private practice, Avila Medical Associates, in Hannibal, Missouri and later Palmyra, Missouri where they cared for their community for over 20 years, while also finding time to go on medical missions throughout the world. Later, they moved to Perry, Oklahoma in 1990, where Dr. Pat continued serving patients until his retirement in 1997.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Dr. Estrella Avila or ‘Dr. E’. They were partners in every sense — dancing through life, celebrating every occasion, and facing every challenge hand in hand. Whether on the dance floor, traveling the world, or simply enjoying time with family, their joy in each other’s company was unmistakable. Those who saw them together witnessed a rare and beautiful love built on respect, affection, devotion, and shared purpose.

He was a devoted father to his four children: Maria “Malou” (Christopher Smith), Carmela “Ela” (Phillip Cooper, Jr.), Maria “Cherry” (Chris Chan), and Glenn (Raelyn Olson); a proud “Popsie” to his six grandchildren: Raelle (Wallace Cole), Shelby (Caroline Hunt), Zoe (Brent Kehrle), Maximus Chan, Kyra Chan, and Bebe Smith; and a joyful great-grandfather to three little ones: Nada Kehrle, Estella & Silas Cole. He was preceded in death by his parents and his adopted sister, Trining Marquez. His family will remember him as a man who lived life to its fullest and loved deeply. He was the cornerstone of the Avila family, a source of strength, guidance, and love.

His friends and colleagues knew him for his sharp wit, brutal honesty, and strong opinions— qualities that made every interaction memorable. He loved telling jokes, sharing stories, and could strike up a conversation with absolutely anyone. His warmth and humor drew people in; his integrity and wisdom made them stay.

Dr. Pat’s legacy endures in the thousands of lives he touched as a husband, father, doctor, mentor, and friend. His love of fishing, golf, travel, storytelling, singing karaoke, and celebration — and above all, his boundless devotion to family and community — will never be forgotten.

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