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LTC (Ret)Van Brown Tate
LTC (Ret) Van Brown Tate passed away on October 1st at his home in Killeen, with his family and faithful caregiver by his side.
Visitation will be held on October 8 from 6-8pm at Crawford-Bowers Funeral home. A funeral service will be held on October 9 at 10:30am at Trinity Baptist Church in Harker Heights, followed by interment at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
Van was born in Stephenville Texas in 1938. He was a graduate of Stephenville High School class of 1956. He held a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Texas Western College (UTEP), a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mary Hardin-Baylor, and a Master of Science from American Technical University. He served on active duty in the United States Army for 15 years. His assignments included a tour in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, and four years as ROTC instructor at North Dakota State University. He served 13 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Decorations include Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster; Parachutist Badge; Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal, 1st Class
In addition to military service, he taught History at Fairway Middle School for 20 years. He had a lifelong love of learning and music. He played trombone in high school, and was active singing in the church choir for many years. He was a founding member of Trinity Baptist Church, a deacon, and Sunday School teacher. His hobbies included reading, bowling, skeet shooting, and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Gerda (Thain) Tate; his daughter Christine (Tate) Barnes of Sammamish, WA; his son and daughter-in-law Brian and Faith Tate of Lubbock, TX; and seven grandchildren, Elise and Gabrielle Barnes, and Ian, Zane, Sean, Raylan, and Brennan Tate.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Adrienne Jackson, Phoenix Provider Services, and Kindred Hospice for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org) in support of military families, or Trinity Baptist Church in Harker Heights, TX.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen.
6 Entries
November 7, 2017
Just learned of Mr. Tate's passing. So very sorry to hear. Worked with him at Fairway.
He was a very nice man and good teacher. Prayers to Gerda and family.
Sincerely,
Myrna Mayorga
October 9, 2017
Friend
Millie Lantz
Gerda and Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so sad to see so many of the ole bowlers who have passed away. Gene Shoemaker, Hugh Lovett, my beloved Verl and now Van. I would like to believe they are up in heaven forming a bowling team. I will always think of them all when I hear thunder. Please accept my sincere condolences.
October 8, 2017
elwood/jeannie harmon
Our most sincere condolences to you Gerda. as well as Christine and Brian and their families. We will always remember your family from our days together at Grace Lutheran Church and the good times we had. I will also remember Van as a brother in Arms at DAV chapter 29. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. If we cab help, please call.
October 6, 2017
Rosemarie Connell
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I have so many fond memories of Van with our family and yours. I pray that God will grant you the strength needed to get through this moment in your life. My most sincere condolences.
October 5, 2017
Becky Stringer
John and I offer our deepest sympathies to you, Gerda. We have fond memories of Van at Trinity. He was always a gentle spirit who loved the Lord and served Him with you by his side. Our prayers are with you in the coming days.
October 4, 2017
David Hassler
Van was born a week before I was and lived a block away for most of our schooldays. We were in school plays together and were debate partners. We were both interested in history and science. He got his BA at Texas Western and I got my MA there. We could argue religion and stay friends. Late in life we agreed to avoid political arguments. He and Gerda came to visit me at my Lake Nasworthy cabin soon after their marriage and I nearly ended that union by tipsily turning the boat over about three in the morning while giving Van a lesson in fishing. Gerda must have been tempted to reconsider the quality of her new husband's friends and question her decision to move with him from Germany to the US.
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Funeral services provided by:
Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542-1654
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