Donald Lee Tate

Don was born to Orrin Leroy Tate and Ester Marie Miller Tate and grew up with his siblings, Ruth Jane Crakes, Geraldine M. Davis, and Robert L. Tate.

As a young man, Don was a gifted athlete. He graduated from Canfield High School, where he excelled in both football and basketball and earned an impressive 14 varsity letters. He was a member of championship teams in both sports, including a basketball team that advanced to the state finals. Don also received Class B Basketball All-State Honorable Mention recognition.

Following high school, Don attended Little Rock Junior College, where he continued his football career as quarterback, wearing number 22. His accomplishments as a student-athlete remained a source of great pride throughout his life. In 1985, Don was inducted into the Canfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements.

Don married Barbara Ann Bowen, and together they had four children: Donald Lee Tate Jr., Douglas Scott Tate, Diana Lynn Rich, and David Todd Tate.

Don began his professional career in real estate before joining IBM, where he enjoyed a successful career spanning more than two decades. His work with IBM brought several opportunities and moves for the family before eventually bringing him to Texas. Don retired from IBM while still in his early 50s, but retirement would prove to be the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

With a desire to travel and see the world, Don applied for a position as a social director aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2. The position required ballroom dancing experience, so Don took lessons and confidently applied. His daughter took the photograph that accompanied his application, and Don was selected for the position.

His years aboard the QE2 allowed him to travel extensively and experience many parts of the world. More importantly, his time aboard the ship led him to Jean Doreen, whom he met while working on the QE2. Jean’s son Paul met Don on the QE2 but Don was on the Sagafjord filling in as the cruise director for a colleague. He asked her for a dance and it was love at first sight.

Don and Jean married and shared more than three decades together. Through their marriage, Don also became a loving stepfather and welcomed Jean’s family as his own. Together, their blended family grew to include many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought great joy to their lives.

Throughout his life, Don enjoyed golf, hunting, and fly fishing. His love of sports never left him, and he remained an enthusiastic Dallas Cowboys fan.

Above all, Don treasured his family. He was immensely proud of his children and welcomed the role of stepfather with love and devotion. He was blessed by a growing family that included his children and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the grandchildren and great-grandchild he lovingly embraced through his marriage to Jean.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Orrin and Ester Tate; his siblings, Ruth Jane Crakes, Geraldine M. Davis, and Robert L. Tate; and a stepson, Neal Bamber.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Doreen Tate; his children, Donald Lee Tate Jr., Douglas Scott Tate, Diana Lynn Rich, and David Todd Tate, along with their spouses; his stepchildren, Paul and Mark Bamber; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members and friends.

Don will be remembered for his determination, his accomplishments, his love of sports, his devotion to family, and his willingness to embrace new experiences throughout his life. From the athletic fields of his youth to a successful career, and from the decks of the QE2 to the home and family he treasured, Don lived a full and remarkable life.

His family will remember with gratitude the many years they shared with him and the stories, adventures, and memories that will continue to be told for generations to come.