George Montgomery Tate

George served his country in the United States Army, enlisting November 17, 1969, and honorably completing his service May 17, 1972, attaining the rank of Spec4. His life reflected a steady sense of duty and a practical competence that carried into every season that followed.

In his early years, George’s curiosity and willingness to test the limits showed themselves in simple, unforgettable moments—like the day he and a cousin, soon after he first learned to drive, took his Volkswagen into Duck River, determined to find out whether it would float. That same spirit of bold inquiry stayed with him, even as life’s responsibilities grew.

After high school and his military service, George began a career of helping others as an EMT in Manchester. After moving to Wichita, he continued in emergency services as a Paramedic, bringing calm presence and decisiveness to work that demanded both. In time, he shifted into skilled technical trades, applying precision and problem-solving as a CNC machining and CADAM design operator for aircraft, motorcycle, and auto parts—work that suited his belief that when something needed doing, it should be done well and without delay.

George’s greatest devotion was to his family. He met Carolyn Jean Hawk through a nurse’s brother-in-law who was stationed in Vietnam and asked for people to write to military soldiers. George and Carolyn began writing in September of 1970, met in April of 1971 after he served in Vietnam while he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and were married September 24, 1971, in Hennessy, Oklahoma. Their story—rooted in patience, commitment, and the steady building of a life together—remained a lasting testament to enduring love.

A faithful member of the Church of Christ, George valued community and worship, and he carried those values into daily life. He also gave generously of his time to his children, coaching little league baseball for his sons and soccer for his children, offering guidance that was both steady and encouraging.

George found deep enjoyment outdoors—fishing, stomping, and hiking through the forest—and he had a gift for bringing people close through shared moments and laughter. He was easygoing in spirit, yet unmistakably direct when something needed to be handled; he appreciated initiative and respected follow-through. Many will remember the way he could hold a room with a story, especially his beloved ghost stories—often told to children and their friends gathered together in a dark room, listening late into the night.

George was preceded in death by his father, George Tate; his mother, Kathrine Tate; and his granddaughter, Laney Jean Tate.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn (Jeanne) Tate; his daughter, Michelle Jean (Tate) Cole (Shane); his sons, George Troy Tate and Derik Andrew Tate (Marcie); his sisters, Donna (Tate) Miller (Dale) and Lisa (Tate) Longacre (Danny); his grandchildren, Mason Cole wife Emily, Kaden Tate, Connor Tate, Savanna Cole and Sydney Cole; and his great grandchildren, Violet Cole and Raider Johnson.

Visitation will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, on November 16, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral Service will be held at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, on November 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

Committal Service will follow services at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209, on November 17, 2026.