LTC (Ret) Van Brown Tate

1938 - 2017

LTC (Ret) Van Brown Tate obituary, 1938-2017, Killeen, TX

BORN

1938

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen

1615 South Fort Hood Road

Killeen, Texas

LTC (Ret) Van Tate Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 2, 2017.

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.

Memories and Condolences
for LTC (Ret) Van Tate

Sponsored by Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen.

What is your first memory of LTC (Ret) Van?

Share a favorite memory you have of LTC (Ret) Van.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with LTC (Ret) Van.

Describe a time when LTC (Ret) Van made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about LTC (Ret) Van?

Talk about a shared experience you had with LTC (Ret) Van.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of LTC (Ret) Van.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving LTC (Ret) Van.

What is something you learned from LTC (Ret) Van?

Not sure what to say?

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.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Make a Donation
in LTC (Ret) Van Tate's name

Memorial Events
for LTC (Ret) Van Tate

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen

1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542-1654

How to support LTC (Ret) Van's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor LTC (Ret) Van Tate's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more