Patrick Tamao "Pat" Tanaka, 70, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023.

Pat attended Holy Name High School until his senior year, when his father was transferred to Okinawa where Pat graduated high school while his father was stationed there.  Pat loved deer hunting and fishing with his children and nephews.  He belonged to the Beagle Club and enjoyed sharing this sport with his daughter.  Pat was involved in the Henderson County Youth Football League and loved coaching football to those boys and young men.  He loved UK basketball and also enjoyed the sport of baseball as well.  Pat loved to play jokes on his children, brother, and friends.  He enjoyed being involved with the horse racing community where he worked on the starting gates at several horse racing tracks throughout Kentucky. Pat also worked for many years for Elvie and Mary Alice Casey Cobb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Martha Tanaka; and one brother, Michael Tanaka.

Survivors include Pam Tanaka of Henderson, Kentucky; three sons, Michael Allen Tanaka of Alexandria, Louisiana, and Rafe Tanaka (Lindsay Hooper) and Jake Tanaka (Rachel Tanaka) of Henderson, Kentucky; one daughter, Sarah Tanaka Jeffries (Robbie Jeffries) of Monroe, Tennessee; two sisters, Florence Tanaka Rich of Henderson, Kentucky, and Ann Tanaka Dixon (Roger Dixon) of Chandler, Arizona; one sister-in-law, Beverly Tanaka of Henderson, Kentucky; seven grandchildren; and three nephews.

There will be a private family memorial service at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father Christopher Grief will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Hospice.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.