Robert Earl Tate age 82 of Fenwick passed away at his son's home Thursday November 18, 2010. He was born in Lansing January 25, 1928 the son of Fayette and Ruth Simison Tate.
He served in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes and was a veteran of the US Army, a retiree of General Motors Lansing with 30 years of service and a member of the VFW Lester J. Sitts Post #5065 of Sheridan. Bob served as sexton of the Clear Lake Cemetery and also farmed on Jenks road for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and also coaching Little League Baseball. He was married in Belding on January 25, 1957 to the former Catharina Cathy Bruggemans.
His son Robert preceded him in death on February 15, 2000 and his wife Cathy on November 24, 2007 and also a sister Roberta Dewitt.
He is survived by his children, Jeffrey and Nancy Tate of Fenwick, Marsha L. Tate of Bellefontaine, Ohio, John Frandsen of Gowen, grandchildren, Jeff Thurlow, Cory Tate, Rhonda Blume, Bobby Tate, Sandy and Andy Cook, great grandchildren, Tyler, Bryant, Devin and Grayson, his brothers and sisters, Erwin Ike and Maxine Tate of Sumner, Ginger Carter of Lansing, Ervenia (Tootie) Burleson of Springport , Gary Tate of Lansing and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 1 PM Monday November 22, 2010 at the Hurst Funeral Home with Rev. Jamey Nichols officiating. Burial will be in Clear Lake Cemetery with military honors provided by the VFW Post # 5065 of Sheridan. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions are suggested to Sparrow Hospice.
