SFC (Ret) Donald Pate

Donald Pate departed this life at 6:37 a.m., Monday, May 24, 2010, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 12 days. Donald and his identical twin brother, Ronald, were born on January 12, 1939, in East Carondelet, Illinois. The boys were two of thirteen children born to the union of the late Daniel Howard and Zady Ann (Kelly) Pate. On March 21, 1959 in St. Louis, Missouri, Donald was united in marriage with Betty Jane Coleman, and to this union, four children were born: Donald James, Catherine Lynn, Robert Wade and Lawrence James. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren: Michelle, Andrynne, Joshua, Brittany, Robert Jr., Jeanne, Dakota, Sandra, Joseph and Heather. Donald served his country proudly in the U.S. Army for nearly thirty years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. For his faithful and honorable service, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal (5th award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Driver Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one silver service star, Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze service star, VC of Gallantry Unit Citation with palm, Expert Qualification Badge M16, Sharpshooter Qualification Badge M14, the Meritorious Service Medal, along with several other awards and commendations. Sergeant First Class Pate retired from active duty service in 1980, at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Donald and Betty enjoyed their home and neighborhood in the Plato/Roby area. They were members of Roby Baptist Church, and Donald was active in the Plato VFW and American Legion. He was also a member of the DAV Chapter 49, Crocker. Donald enjoyed raising and riding horses, bowling, helping with Special Olympics, and playing on the farm. He especially loved spending time and playing with his grandchildren. Donald will be sadly missed by four children: Donald James Pate, Plato, Catherine Lynn Potts (Larry), Duke, Robert Wade Pate (Cheryl), Cocoa, Florida and Lawrence James Pate (Angela), Cabool; 10 grandchildren; Michelle, Andrynne, Joshua, Brittany, Robert Jr., Jeanne, Dakota, Sandra, Joseph and Heather; one sister: Anna Merrill of the state of Wisconsin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, and wife, Donald was preceded in death by eleven siblings and two grandchildren: Daniel James and Crystal Lynn. Funeral services with military honors were held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 1, 2010 in the Roby Baptist Church with Bro. Brock Davis officiating. Several family members recalled their wonderful memories of Donald. Donald’s granddaughter wrote and recorded a song for her grandfather titled “It Hurts Missin’ You”, which was played at the service. The songs “The Old Rugged Cross”, “I’ll Fly Away” and “Amazing Grace” were also played. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood. Graveside services were held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 2, 2010 in the Lakewood Park Cemetery. Serving as escorts were Robert Pate, Lawrence Pate, Joshua Pate, Robert Pate, Jr., Joseph Pate and Brittany Pate. Serving as honorary escorts were Michelle Potts, Adrynne Pate, Jeanne Pate, Heather Pate, Sandra Pate and Dakota Pate. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Donald Pate and may be left at the funeral home.

SFC (Ret) Donald Pate

January 12, 1939 - May 24, 2010