Pate Sr., Paul

Paul Pate Sr., a very loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center. He lived a full and active life of 72 years. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, Marion, by Pastor Mike Morgan. Burial: 2 p.m. at Dunkard Cemetery. Friends may visit Sunday from 2 until 5 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. 

Survivors include his beloved wife, Velma, of 53 years; sons, Paul (Jane) of Cedar Rapids and Don “Buster” (Lorri) of Hiawatha; grandchildren, Jennifer (Andy) Pate-Luense of Marion, Amber (Curtis) Pate-Nelson of Marion, Paul D. Pate III of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, Brandon and Chloe Pate; stepgrandchildren, R.C. (Anne) Hard of Phoenix, Kacy (Shawn) Witten of Cedar Rapids, Jason (Rhonda) Hard of Hiawatha and Kristalyn (Jay) Irving of Cedar Rapids; Austin Witten, Shaylynn Hard, Colton Irving, Dalton Rider, Jaden Hard and Kylee Gearheart; and sister-in-law, Ferne Pate.

His parents, George and Opal Pate; his brothers, George and James; and his sister, Barbara Brewer, preceded him in death.

Paul D. Pate Sr. was born Jan. 1, 1938, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of George Edward and Opal Lenore (Crowder) Pate. He married Velma Marie McConnell on Nov. 24, 1956, at Wildwood Evangelical Free Church in Ottumwa.

Paul was an inspiring and creative man who took great pride in his work. He was a hard worker who put his heart and soul into everything he did. His morals were of the highest of standards. Paul would outwork anyone, three to one, even the simplest of jobs. Throughout his life Paul started numerous successful businesses which included Jiffy Boy Steam Cleaner Service, Superior 100 Service, and multiple real estate developments. One of Paul's biggest successes was starting P&M Blacktop, Inc. Both of Paul's sons worked for him at P&M Blacktop where he instilled values in them such as hard work, integrity, and honesty. He taught them how to manage a successful business but most importantly taught them eternal life lessons. Paul's sons have since followed in their father's footsteps by owning and running their own successful businesses. Both his sons, Paul II and Buster, continue to carry on his legacy. 

Paul loved his antique cars and was a member of the Cedar Valley Model A Club. He drove his Model A in many parades across Iowa. Paul was very handy and was always building or fixing something for someone. He was an avid deer and turkey hunter and also enjoyed fishing. He enjoyed many wonderful hunting trips with his friends going to South Dakota and Wyoming. Over the last several years he has enjoyed taking his grandson and great-grandson hunting on his land in Vinton. Paul was also an adventurous person who enjoyed driving his stock car (No. 111); a passion he passed on to his son Buster. He and his family enjoyed many wonderful skiing, boating, and camping trips. They were always surrounded with family and friends. 

Paul and Velma faithfully attended First United Methodist Church in Marion for many years. Paul was also passionate about Iowa Hawkeye football, flowers, reading, western movies, traveling with his family, and his love for animals. 

Paul's family and friends were the center of his life. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, stubbornness, loyalty, honesty, integrity, and kindness.   His love and devotion for his wife, Velma, was an example for his children and grandchildren to follow. After 53 years of marriage you could still find Paul and Velma holding hands side by side and hiding love notes for each other. Lasting love and friendship that you do not see much today was something that Paul and Velma were blessed with. He truly touched the lives of everyone around him.

Memorials may be directed to First United Methodist Church.

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