Donald “Buster” Ray Pate

Donald “Buster” Ray Pate

Hiawatha

Donald “Buster” Ray Pate, 63 of Hiawatha, died Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at his home. Visitation will be held at 11 a.m. followed by services at 12 noon Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Teahen Funeral Home. Burial will be at Dunkard Cemetery.

Don is survived by his wife, Lorri Pate of Hiawatha; four children, RC (Anne) Hard of Mesa, AZ, Kacy (Shawn) Witten of Cedar Rapids, Jason Hard of Hiawatha and Kristalyn (Dustin Riley) Irving of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Austin, Dalton, Shaylynn, Rylee, Jaden and Colton; great-grandchild, Asher; and brother Paul (Jane) Pate of Cedar Rapids.

Donald Ray Pate was born on March 30, 1960 son of Paul Devern and Velma Marie (McConnell) Pate in Cedar Rapids. He graduated from Kennedy High School in 1979. On April 22, 1988 he was united in marriage to Lorri King and referred to her as “my queen” from their first day to his last. Buster began working construction for his Dad in high school and continued until 1989 when he started Pate’s Construction, retiring in 2015 due to his health.

Buster lived by the motto “work hard, play hard.” Buster was involved in many motor sports including dirt bikes, mud racing, dirt stock car racing and has even participated in a few demolition derbies along the way. The highlight of his racing career was the year he raced with and against his son and grandson. When he wasn’t wearing a helmet you could find him on the Cedar River where he spent many weekends cruising in his jet boat. Along with motor sports, Buster was a high school wrestler and after graduating he became a champion arm wrestler winning many trophies. Buster’s love of motorcycles was above all. He loved nothing more than riding. He was able to purchase his “dream bike” and eventually make it to Sturgis in 2021 with some very close friends.

Buster had a fierce love of animals and was known to have Cindy and Pepper, his dogs, in tow. Buster was a beyond kind and generous man. Giving you ‘the shirt off his back’ was an understatement. He gifted so many family, friends and even strangers with his time and money. His pleasure was just watching someone else smile and knowing he was of help. Never did he ask or want anything in return. His greatest enjoyment was a time spent with family, kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends. Buster was spirited, fun-loving and could make you laugh like no other. His smile lit up a room and his spirit was infectious. He was absolutely one-of-a-kind and will be missed by many.

Memorials may be directed to Definitely Dogs in Don’s name.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.