Richard James Tate

Richard James Tate, 67, of Springfield, IL passed away on October 8, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born in Decatur, IL on September 16, 1957, to James F. Tate and Audrey D. Pittman Tate. He married Tracey Shake on July 9, 1999, and she survives.

Richard attended Stephen Decatur High School – where his late father, James, served as head football coach and P.E. teacher – graduating in the class of 1975. During high school, he received high accolades as a stand-out athlete, competing in football, basketball, and golf. After high school, Richard studied abroad in Lucerne, Switzerland for one year. Richard later attended Northwest Missouri State University on a full-ride football scholarship, where he received a Bachelor of Arts, double-majoring in International Business and German. During his time as a Northwest Bearcat, he played as a defensive linebacker, ranking third all-time with 393 career tackles. Richard was co-captain, a season “Most Inspirational Player” honoree, and a member of the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association Conference.

Richard worked for the State of Illinois at various agencies and other organizations, including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI), having concluded his career at the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS).

Mr. Tate is survived by three sons: Tyler Bohannon of Springfield, Carter Tate of Columbia, MO., and Parker Tate of Springfield, three siblings: Debbie (Richard) Hughes of Charlotte, N.C., Michael (Cindy) Tate of Orlando, FL., and Barbara (David) Hammond of Johns Creek, GA., including in-laws: Richard (Harriet) Shake of Sullivan, IN., Lisa (Neal) Sluder of Sullivan, IN., and Ron (Paige) Shake of Sullivan, IN. He is also survived by nieces and nephews (and great-nieces and nephews) in Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Indiana.

Cremation rites were accorded. The family will host a Celebration of Life ceremony on October 25th from 5 to 7 pm located at the Knights of Columbus, 2200 S. Meadowbrook Rd, Springfield, IL 62711. Memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Missouri State Football program:

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