Ivan Pate

    I want to make a tribute to Ivan Pate.  He is a loved gentleman of our Flo Community. Ivan, 83, born and raised in Flo died in Flo and was a native.  He was the son of Bert and Gertie (Moore) Pate, who were long time and they are the ancestors of the Daniel Pate family.  They were first time settlers and were important of all aspects of Flo to be organized and developed into a favorite community to call home.

    Ivan, of hardworking parents who toiled long enduring hours as farmers, ranchers was introduced to every chore of the farm country living.  He, carried to the field as a baby, his brother Rudolph, just a year older, to help tend to him they had some times together.  Ivan, an eager inquisitive lad, was held down, tied down, and carried around like a sack of potatoes.  As they grew older they with many responsibilities of all the tasks to help their parents and relatives to survive had much in common.  There would be squabbles, fights among them, yet there was deep affection and love between them.  They could spat and quarrel among themselves but others had better leave their brother alone.  All through their lives even as they drifted into different paths whenever there was a need for each other, it was done.

    Ivan, as a youngster became a tough rugged cowboy, riding every horse, bull, cow, handling a rope like a pro, and he always had a favorite dog alone beside him.  Ivan always with a smile on his face, so good hearted, gave a helping hand to anyone who needed him.  Yet it hurt him to ask for help for himself.  On a daily basis, Ivan helped someone in some way, giving cheer, laughter, and joy.  Ivan, a Christian most of his life, was taken to church.  His parents were active members of the Flo Baptist Church and they also active in Community affairs.  Ivan always had special love of our Flo people and was very concerned with he betterment of life in Flo, Leon County.  He would give time and money of support of programs to benefit the people and the county life.

    Ivan served with honor in the military proud to fight for "Old Glory", his America, giving his best for our Freedom.

    Ivan married Emma Bell Barnett of Flo.  She was the daughter of important settlers Willie and Gracie Barnett.  She also a native of Flo was taught many valuable lessons of Christian, family and farm life.  Ivan and Emma Bell were married 56 years.  They were a team of home, property, deities, both worked a lot and they were immaculate of their up keep and busy of improvement projects.  Their home places were beautifully kept.  Their yards with bush grass, trees, plants and flowers were like well-maintained parks.  It has often been told of Ivan if one blade of grass got higher than it was suppose to, he mowed.

    Ivan was an employee with the Lone Star Gas Company for over 40 years.  He a supervisor of the pipeline construction, traveled to many locations working at many places.  He and Emma Bell have lived at many different places.  They owned a beautiful home in Irving, TX.  After Ivan retired they lived at Lake Palestine then they came back home to Flo and have lived at their home place on FM 831 toward Hwy 75 for sometime.  They as team made it a lovely inviting home.  They had much pleasure of family, relatives, and friends paying them visits.

    Ivan and Emma Bell, were proud parents of their lovely daughter Margo, have always felt she is the greatest blessing of their life and their grandchildren, Keith, Stacey, Jody, and Marlo and great grandchildren Sicily, Madison, Jordan, Angela (Peanut) and Jason Jay (J.J.) are added beautiful blessings.

    Ivan and Emma had much love of children claimed all of their nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends children as theirs.  Their recent young man they claimed is their neighbor, Sam Grissett.  Ivan told him he was his adopted son.

    Ivan had devoted love for his family members.  He was there for his parents.  He and Emma would spend a lot of time with them, giving them a helping hand.  Ivan and his brother were close and he and Rudolph were, and his sister, Gloria was the apple of his eye.

    Ivan and Emma were active members of Flo Church and all of Flo Community services.  They have been outstanding in bringing special wealth in so many ways, touching all of our lives with tender love and affection.

    Ivan went to heaven May 5, 2003 at his and Emma's home in Flo, sitting in his easy chair.  He had walked to their garden, came in to their home for lunch sat in the chair to rest a few minutes and went to be with God with a smile on his face.  Ivan was buried at Parker Cemetery in Flo, with his mom and dad, many other relatives and his friends, which some date back to our Flo 1800's.

    Ivan Pate, a favorite and a most loved gentleman of Flo will truly be missed.