Nathabhai Somdas Patel, loving father of four and a father figure to countless others, passed away on February 2, 2014 at 9:54PM at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Shawnee, KS. The cause of death was natural related to respiratory failure resulting from pneumonia and underlying lung cancer.

Nathabhai was born and raised in Dangarwa. He completed schooling up to high school. He sacrificed further schooling and part of his childhood to help provide for his family. Shortly after, he met his soulmate, Sitaben, whom he married at the age of 16. He dedicated most of his early adulthood to working at their farm, providing for and establishing entire family’s livelihood in their hometown, helped put his brother through college, and put his family on a path to success. When given the opportunity to migrate in May 1980, Nathabhai came to America with his young family of five with immense help and support from Chandulal (Sitaben’s brother and the dearest friend to Nathabhai).

His first job was working at a restaurant forty-five minutes away. What allowed him to persevere through these hard times was unflinching pride in wanting to provide for his family by himself. That self-dependency was still visible in his last days.

After a few years at the restaurant, he found a closer job, working in a factory while picking up a second job at another nearby restaurant. In these conditions, having limited education as well as working multiple jobs, one might forget the value of education. However, Nathabhai continuously stressed to all of his children and grandchildren the merits and importance of education. In fact, he had even built a center of education in Dangarwa for young children in memory of his mother, Raiba. He ensured that all of his children had the opportunity and the motivation to pursue education. That was equally extended to his daughters-in-law, whom he treated like his own daughters.

As a member of the Swaminarayan Faith, he was widely recognized as a staunch devotee. Nathabhai selflessly performed the service of Thakorji even to until last breath. Every morning, he would do gnan-bhakti before taking care of his duties at home.

In addition, he still found time to cater to all of the needs of his children and grandchildren. He lived a full life with all of them being by his side until the last second. He is the foundation and a continuing source of strength for his entire family. Above all, he was a loving brother to five siblings, a father to four children, a grandfather to eight grandchildren, great father in-law, a loving companion to his wife, and inspiration to all.

To our beloved grandfather,

You were our guide, our best friend, and our everything. Thank you for teaching us that true happiness lies in the service of family and God. We will miss you dearly.

Love,

Your biggest fans, your grandchildren

Services

4 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014 at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory.