Jon Mark Pate

Jon Mark Pate, 57, of Stafford passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2018. He was an avid lover of Harley Davidson motorcycles, even naming a number of his dogs “Harley”. He had a brilliant and beautiful mind, reading quantum physics books for enjoyment was one of his favorite hobbies. His loved Southern Rock, the Redskins and his mama’s chicken & dumplings - and his favorite morning beverage was (5) McDonald’s hot mochas with peppermint extract. He called it his “crack”. He worked for Verizon (and all of its previous iterations) for the longest time, and referred to himself as “the phone man”. He worked at the Pentagon for over 20 years, where he was able to interact with individuals who challenged his intellect on a daily basis. He would discuss a variety of subjects, with anyone who would be open to it, and was willing to debate points of view that differed from his own. The majority of these discussions occurred in his “office” (the trash can in the courtyard). In particular, he constantly referenced his conversations with “the General” and “the Sargent Major”. But the most important thing in his life was his family. He often quoted “there’s family, and then there is everyone else”. He was fiercely protective and extremely loyal when it came to his family, and there were many that were family who were not necessarily blood relatives. He is survived by his SIBLINGS: Bonnie Pate Hodges, Sheree Pate Phillips; CHILDREN: Jennifer Pate, Jon Mark Pate, Jr., Hope Pate, Randy Pate; and GRANDCHILDREN: Gage, Bryce, Lily, Tristan-Merritt; and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins He was preceded in death by his: FATHER, Merritt Randolph Pate Sr.; MOTHER, Elsie Marie Martin Pate; and BROTHER, Merritt Randolph Pate Jr. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Richland Baptist Church – 2482 Warrenton Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22406. A reception will follow at same location. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans.