Pat Elder Bolin, a member of the Madill High School Class of 1961, passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, February 27, 2020. Pat’s parents were Elmer and Lula Bolin.
The Bolins were long time residents of Pure Camp in Little City, Oklahoma, and “Mrs. Bolin,” as she was known to all of her students, was a highly respected and well liked Madill School English teacher. And it was because of his mother and his gift of gab and great speaking voice that Pat chose a career in radio and TV where he hosted a sports talk show and was anchor for the 6 and 9 PM news in Dallas and Sherman, Texas.
Pat survived polio at age two but it left him crippled in both legs and in a motor chair most of his adult life. He lost homes to a tornado and later to a flood, survived a heart attack at 50, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2010, and was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2017.
In his early 20’s he lost his first son Greg, age 4, in a car accident and years later lost his first daughter Misty, age 20, in another car accident. But these difficulties did not define Pat’s life.
He is most remembered for his determination, courage, and joy for life. He loved music and all sports.
While in school even though he was not able to participate physically in sports you could always find him on the sidelines encouraging the Madill players.
When the Madill basketball team went to State in 1960 Pat was there for every game, playing his trumpet and yelling encouragement... Madill won State that year.
A scholarship in remembrance ofPat Bolin has been established by the Madill Alumni Association. Donations to the scholarship may be sent to the Madill Alumni Foundation, P.0. Box 292, Madill, OK 73446