Dr. Charles Patrick McAtee

Charles Patrick “Pat” McAtee, PhD of Cedar Park, TX passed away on August 16th, 2022, after a long battle with cancer. Pat was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois on August 5, 1955, to the late William Nelson McAtee and Clara Nadine McAtee nee Roth. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 36 years, Jennifer Anne (Jenny) nee Durham, and two daughters, Dr. Erin Elizabeth of Lexington, KY and Shannon Nicole of Cedar Park, TX. Pat loved music, both playing and listening. He was first introduced to the trumpet as a child, after both his father and grandfather passed down the instrument. He was a member of the University of Illinois Orchestra, Illinois Summer Youth Music and Phi Mu Alpha, a music honorarium. He was also involved in Alpha Phi Omega, a service fraternity where he would play his trumpet at nursing homes and participated in a multitude of other service projects. Pat demonstrated an early interest in science and medicine which carried through his entire life. Pat graduated from The University of Illinois with a degree in microbiology in 1978. Upon completion of his senior thesis, he was elected to Sigma Zi, the Scientific Research Honor Society for scientists and engineers. In 1985, Pat completed his master’s degree in Chemistry at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. While he was earning his degree, he met Jenny and they have been together ever since. After graduating, Jenny and Pat moved to Chicago where Pat completed a doctorate at The University of Chicago in Chemistry and Molecular Biology with a focus on immunology. He then went on to have a prolific and esteemed career in biotechnology and research medicine. While working at Bristol Myers Squibb in 2003, he presented his research regarding a new proteomics approach to cancer research at The Institute Pasteur in Paris. From this presentation, Pat was asked to write a chapter in a book that was published called Microbial Proteomics. His chapter was called “New Approaches for Therapeutic Vaccines & Drug Discovery”. He considered this to be a career highlight. Pat eventually retired from Baylor College of Medicine in February 2019. For the duration of his cancer treatment, Pat recognized many of the medications he was prescribed, as he was involved in the research and development of these drugs. He would often discuss his course of treatment with the many doctors he interacted with during his illness. One medication in particular, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tied back to his thesis published 30 years prior during his doctoral studies. He was also involved in developing the technology for tumor marker isolation. Pat was the epitome of a lifelong learner and developed a particular interest in nutrition and metabolism. He completed post-doctoral classes at Harvard and MIT focusing on these topics. He brought the information home and took over the cooking duties while living in New Jersey. Combining his creativity and scientific background, he began to make unique Sunday dinners and carried on this tradition through the next many years. Regardless of busy schedules and a plethora of activities with his family, Sunday night family dinners were a ritual, a fun occasion, and a treasured culinary adventure for our family. Pat and Jenny eventually created a “supper club” with their friends in Austin, his dishes often taking center stage. Pat’s greatest accomplishment was being a devoted parent to his daughters. As a father, he had a huge influence on both of his children. He coached multiple basketball teams for each daughter. He continued to influence them with his love for music, with Erin and Shannon both involved in band and following their father’s footsteps. His intellectual curiosity informed his daughters’ decisions to pursue careers in science and medicine. Pat grew up with many pets, including turtles and beagles. Per his request, any donations in his memory should be directed to Houston Beagle & Hound Rescue, Austin Pet’s Alive or any local humane society. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at Blair Cottage in Wimberly, Texas.

Dr. Charles Patrick McAtee

August 5, 1955 - August 16, 2022