Buddy Pate

Buddy Dean Pate, age 83, of Linden, Texas, went to his heavenly home on April 30th, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 24, 1942, in Linden, Texas, to Loyd and Modena (Kirkland) Pate.

He was a proud veteran who carried a deep sense of duty throughout his life. A tough man in the truest sense, full of grit, quiet strength, and a resilience that never needed to be spoken. He faced life’s battles with determination, dignity, and quiet courage, never seeking recognition, but instead living a life rooted in hard work, love for his family, and a willingness to help others.

Buddy had a deep love for the sport of rodeo and a genuine desire to see it live on. His arena became a second home to many—a place where people gathered and grew, where countless memories were made, and lifelong friendships were formed. Many childhoods were shaped at his arena, but Buddy never limited his time or heart to just the young. Anyone with a love for rodeo was always welcomed with open arms.

Most will remember Buddy as a cowboy, but the greatest joy of his life—and what he was most proud of—was being Dad, Granddaddy, and the life he shared with Jackie. He found his greatest happiness in his grandchildren—whether it was keeping up with their baseball, watching them fish from the tailgate, telling old stories, painting the girls’ nails—though not always to their standards—or simply watching them play and grow. Along the way, he passed down quiet wisdom and life lessons they will carry with them always.

Buddy loved a simple life; you could often find him out in his pasture, sitting on his bucket watching his cows, or at home watching the chickens. It was in those everyday moments with his family that he was truly happiest.

He is survived by his loving companion, Jackie Harrod and sons of Linden; his son, Kirby Pate and wife, Prairie, of Linden; his daughter, Danna Stroman and husband, Brett, of Redwater; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth Pate and wife, Linda, of Linden, and Rex Pate and wife, Vickie, of Linden; one sister, Lajuan Harris of Nacogdoches; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Modena Pate; his brother, Tex Pate; and two nephews, Marty Pate and Darron Pate.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

Graveside services for Mr. Pate will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Center Grove Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Buddy’s honor to the Marty Pate Scholarship: c/o Kenneth and Linda Pate, 2789 Texas Highway 11, Linden, Texas 75563.