Larry E. Tate, 75, a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Monday, June 26, 2017 at Gila Regional Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.
He was born May 7, 1942 in Albuquerque, NM to Parry and Virginia Tate.
Larry grew up in the Albuquerque, Belen, and Grants area. He joined the National Guard shortly after graduating High School in Grants, NM.
He married Rowena "Weenie" Harsh on June 13, 1962. They raised four children together, of whom three were adopted.
While living in the Grant County area he worked as a mechanic at the Chino Mine. He worked there for 37 years and retired in May of 2006. He then went on to drive a school bus for the Silver Schools in 2007. He retired for a second time in 2017 after ten years of watching numerous kids grow.
He was involved in 4-H and FFA starting with his kids in the 1980's. His work in the 4-H and FFA continued into his grandkids school years. He enjoyed watching and helping with the countless pig jackpots and shows throughout the years. He was also always there to lend a hand when needed especially if it involved being the cook for a fundraiser.
His hobbies included bowling every Tuesday and Thursday night and having coffee with the guys every weekday morning. His favorite things were to be outside whether it be a camping, hunting, or fishing trip when the mood struck him and to always be camp cook.
He was a Baseball coach to many kids in the Grant County area for many years. He enjoyed being with all his family and watching grandkids and great-grandkids run amuck. But, if you asked him his all-time favorite was to boast about his grandkids accomplishments. Whether it was bringing a new great-grandkid into the family or something in school or their lives, he was proud.
Larry was a jack of all trades and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We will love and miss him, Tater, Dad, and Grandpa.
He is survived by his loving wife Rowena "Weenie" Tate of the family home; one son, Roy Tate and wife Rose of Morenci, AZ; two daughters, Tyra T. Moore of Silver City; Tayna Miller and husband Brian of Silver City; eight granddaughters, Marissa Manzo and husband Danny and their kids Daniel and Viviana; Myra Tate and daughter, McKenna; Miranda Cook and husband Levi and their kids Lane and Tatum; StarrAnn Moon and husband Dillon and their kids DanikaAnn and Kannon; Summer Morgan and husband Dakota and their daughter Claudia; Madison and Allie Miller; Tristan Oaxaca and husband Victor and their kids Andre and Aztan; four grandsons, Bubba Tate and wife Erika and their daughter Gianna; Austin Moore; Cooper Miller and Traeton Zumwalt; along with many other kids of all ages throughout his years, that he has taken under his wing and called his own.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Loy Tate; one sister, Jean Heth; one great-grandson, Aaron Anthony Tate (2005); one brother, Bill Tate; a friend, Pat Valencia.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 1 from 9:30-10 am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the Funeral Service to begin at 10 am with Pastor Nils Eng officiating. Concluding service an interment will follow at Memory Lane cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bubba Tate, Austin Moore, Cooper Miller, Danny Manzo, Dillon Moon, Levi Cook, Dakota Morgan, and Brian Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Wally Eggenberg, and Steven Blaton.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.
To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.