Fred Tate Jr.

Fred Tate Jr., 70, of Wilbur, passed from this life while surrounded by his loving family at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis, on December 6, 2019. He was born in London, Kentucky on July 19, 1949 to the late Joseph Fred and Lucy (Fields) Tate. Raised in the hills and hollers of Kentucky, Fred’s family migrated north when he was 18 years old and settled in Bellville, Indiana. He spent the next several years sowing his wild oats, before meeting the love of his life, Malea in 1977. The pair dated for a year and were joyously joined in matrimony on July 1, 1978. A hard worker, Fred was employed at Raymond Duke Construction for 32 years. He then worked on the docks of Maplehurst until the early 90’s. A dedicated father, Fred strived to be an excellent provider for his family, putting their wants and needs before his own. Even though he didn’t enjoy fishing, he spent quality time with his children fishing. A favorite family time was building campfires and roasting marshmallows. His favorite tv show was Andy Griffith, and his favorite type of movies were Westerns. A social butterfly, Fred was known as the Mayor of Wilbur. He could be found on any given day hanging out at the Wilbur Corner Store, being a proud member of the Liar’s Club, formerly known as the Official Wilbur Loafers. A loving and generous man, he was a jokester who never met a stranger; he thoroughly enjoyed bringing love, laughter and conversation to all. A truly iconic man, Fred left not only a hole in the hearts of his family, but also left a void in the daily routines of the Corner Store. He will be deeply missed. Fred leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Malea (Lambert) Tate; children, Gary Tate of Wilbur, Tabitha Gibson (Mike) of Wilbur; mother in law, Patricia Lambert of Martinsville; brother in law, Patrick Lambert of Martinsville; sister in law, Teresa Sichting of Wilbur; siblings, James Tate (wife, Della) of Lawrence, John Tate (wife, Pam) of Franklin and Bessie Coffey (husband, Buddy) of Reelsville; grandchildren, Tommy Gibson (Annie) of Mooresville, Trey Gibson (Lexy) of Plainfield, Trevor Gibson of Plainfield and Talea Gibson of Wilbur; great grandchild, Lyla; several nieces and nephews; and beloved fur babies, Daisy, Gus, Angel, Midnight and Baby Girl. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1pm, on Friday, December 13, 2019, in Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia, with visitation held from 11am until 1pm. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hall. In lieu of flowers, Fred's family is seeking assistance with his final expenses. Memorial contributions may be made to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, 585 E. Main St., Monrovia, IN 46157. Online donations can be made by going to https://www.facebook.com/donate/758553181286696/?fundraiser_source=external_url, and condolences may be shared with the family on Fred's tribute wall at www.lightmemorial.com.

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Fred Tate Jr.

July 19, 1949 - December 6, 2019