Donald Pate Obituary

Donald H. Pate, 87, beloved son of James and Hilma, went to be with his Lord on July 14, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; two children; six grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Sergeant Major Pate entered military service from Clinton, Illinois in 1943. He served in the European Theater of Operations with the 44th Infantry Division. Sgt. Major Pate went on to serve in the Korean War with the 3rd Infantry Division; and the Vietnam War with the 9th Infantry Division, earning a Combat Infantryman's Badge with two stars and a Bronze Star, before retiring from the ROTC program at Colorado College in 1973. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Army, Sgt. Major Pate joined Falcon School District - 49, subsequently retired, and then worked for The Falcon Food Store for several years, where he continued to be a fixture until his passing. Many graduates of Falcon Middle School will fondly remember Sgt. Major Pate for his living history lectures on World War II in commemoration of Veterans Day. A memorial service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 10 a.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel. Private inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Veterans Honor Court. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. God bless you Pops.