Patrick Leroy Burnham was born on January 31, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas, to Leroy Burnham and Pauline (Schnakenberg) Burnham, whom his parents adopted at birth. He was raised by his adoptive mother, Pauline, and her husband, Lester James Howell. He passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 81, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of dear family and friends at St. Francis Hospital.

Deeply rooted in Oklahoma soil, Patrick grew up on a family farm in Ponca City, where his parents ran a gas station alongside daily life. Those simple, hardworking days sparked his lifelong mechanical curiosity, hands-on spirit, and unbreakable bond with his home state. After his early years there, he made Tulsa his home, pouring his talents into a remarkable career that married precision engineering with pure musical joy.

Patrick's path wove through roles as a machinist, satellite business owner, and real estate agent for Group One in Ponca City. He later became the proud owner and operator of Loco-Motion Pro, LLC in Tulsa, where he specialized in repairing, rebuilding, and innovating vintage Hammond organs and Leslie speakers-creating advanced rotary systems that kept classic sounds alive on stages big and small, including installations at venues like the BOK Arena.

His greatest fulfillment came as a master piano tuner and organ technician for more than twenty years, associated with Tulsa Piano & Organ. Patrick had the extraordinary privilege of caring for world-famous instruments: Vladimir Horowitz's concert grand, Gershwin's piano, Van Cliburn's personal instrument, and the historic Wurlitzer at Sun Studios that echoed with the voices of Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. He tuned for legends including Eric Clapton, B.B. King, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Harry Connick Jr., Buddy Guy, Bob Dylan, Chicago, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Three Dog Night, and countless others. Yet what truly set him apart was his heartfelt devotion to the Blues-tuning pianos for local bands, cheering on emerging talent, and helping keep Tulsa's music scene soulful and alive.

Outgoing, accepting, and endlessly generous with his kind heart, Patrick was a natural jokester and prankster who made everyone feel instantly at home. He greeted friends and strangers alike with his signature warmth-"What you got?" or "Doin'?" and "You're my fave!"-delivered with a twinkle and genuine curiosity. Neighbors quickly became part of his extended family, welcomed into barbecues, stories, and laughter. His passions lit up his life: playing blues on his own, tinkering with ham radio and electronics, water skiing and rollerblading with abandon, fishing quiet waters, chasing the thrill of tornadoes, baking fresh bread and pumpkin pie to share, and traveling far-to Europe, California, New York, Hawaii, Bahamas cruises, and everywhere his curiosity led-always returning with tales that made listeners feel they'd been along for the ride.

A die-hard fan of University of Oklahoma football and softball, he also soaked up the electric vibe of Oklahoma City Thunder games, blending his love for sports and music into one joyful energy. He adored his cats, Felix and Jazz, who ruled the house with purrs, and savored comfort classics like Mexican enchiladas, goulash, and Frito-chili pie.

At the heart of it all was family. He is survived by his sister Katherine Merrelle Harding and his brother Alan Burch, along with his children-Delinda Smith, Lora Pemberton, James Burnham, and Donna Lynn Ellsworth-along with eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His children hold vivid, tender memories of their dad's playful, loving spirit. They remember the way he'd shout their special nickname during games to fire them up and rally the team to victory. They recall the magic he created with unforgettable summer vacations, family reunion campouts, and adventures like that Six Flags trip where a brief scare quickly turned into shared ice cream and big hugs. They cherish the times they raced together on rollerblades along Tulsa's River Parks Trail, laughing through near-wipeouts with the Arkansas River sparkling beside them. They treasure those sweet moments when they were little-slipping headphones over their ears, turning the music way up, then quietly muting the main speakers so the whole room rang with their fearless, joyful singing as he cheered them on to belt it out without a hint of self-consciousness. And they will always hold close the way he owned a boat and cherished the fireworks, the laughter, and the pure freedom of the Fourth of July, wrapping his family in yet another layer of celebration and togetherness.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and his son.

A Celebration of Life honoring Patrick's vibrant spirit will take place at The Church Studio-a legendary recording venue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, steeped in the Tulsa Sound and founded by icon Leon Russell-located at 304 S Trenton Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Loved ones are warmly invited to share stories, laughter, and memories. No formal visitation or viewing is planned.

In the spirit of Patrick's deep love for music, musician friends are especially invited to bring their instruments for an open jam session-think of an open mic gig in his honor, where everyone can play their favorite songs, listen, sing along, or jump in. Hors d'oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar. Casual attire, best gig fare encouraged-let's keep the good vibes rolling just as he would have loved.

Flowers or memorials may be sent to Delinda Smith at 9806 S 95th E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74133.

Patrick lived fully, loved openly, and left an indelible mark of enthusiasm, generosity, and connection. His legacy sings on in every perfectly tuned note, every restored organ's hum, every blues groove he nurtured, and every heart he warmed with kindness and humor.