Thomas Arnett Tate, 76, of Marlin passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 with his loved ones by his side. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2020 at Adams Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2020 at First Baptist Church of Marlin with Reverend William Wright officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Marlin.
Tommy was born on March 5, 1943 to Chester Wright Tate and Myrtlene Criswell Tate in Marlin, Texas. He graduated from Marlin High School in 1962. During his time at Marlin High, he was an athlete, played football, and soon met the love of his life, Anita Fillip, who would go on to become his wife of 55 wonderful years.
He loved gardening, golfing, walking daily with his wife, floating the Comal River and enjoying Schlitterbahn annually with his grandkids, dove hunting with his sons, evening rides through the country with Anita, attending bible study, traveling, and most recently visiting Booth Bay, Maine in September. In his younger years he loved playing softball and volleyball. He enjoyed socializing with friends and family and never missed a cookout. He and Anita faithfully hosted Sunday lunch each and every week with his close knit family and many like family. He most enjoyed spending time with grandchildren and ensuring they were always entertained. He was known by all that knew him as such a hard worker who kept himself busy in the community. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, “PawPaw” and devout Christian.
He was an elder, board member, and faithful member of the First Christian Church of Marlin where he spent so much of his time taking care of the needs of the church and its grounds. He was a former member of Marlin Men’s Civic Association, served on the Marlin City Council and also multiple terms as board member of the Marlin Country Club. He enjoyed delivering and participating with Meals on Wheels, as well as many other charitable endeavors as the need arose.
He started his career as a banker in Houston and then accepted a position back in his home town as a Loan Officer at First State Bank of Marlin and later served as Vice President for the Marlin National Bank. After many years in banking, his career path led him to a position in the National Guard civil service as a Staff Sergeant for the Headquarters Troop 1/124th Calvary located in Waco.
Thomas Tate was preceded in death by his Father Chester Tate, Mother Myrtlene Tate, Step-mother Pauline Denard Tate; Brother David Tate and Sister Amy Tate.
He is survived by his wife Anita Tate and three sons, Dean Tate and wife Lori of Lorena, Drew Tate of Marlin, and Adam Tate and wife Cacee of Robinson; grandchildren Garrett Tate, Cannon Tate and wife Gandy, Isabelle Tate, Gracie Tate, Ellie Tate, Anna Tate, Reese Tate and Myles Tate; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
For those who desire, the family has suggested the First Christian Church of Marlin for memorial contributions, or the charity of your preference.
