Steven Charles Tate of Independence, Kansas passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2019 due to an automobile accident. He led a full, interesting life and will be missed by the many people he touched and influenced in his nearly 75 years.
Steve was known as a loving brother, a wonderful father, a caring companion, an awesome grandpa and a great friend to many. He was born to Merle and Mable Lucille (Wright) Tate on February 14, 1944, in Coffeyville, Kansas.
Steve grew up in Coffeyville, graduating from Field Kindley Memorial High School. Steve loved to learn. He was a self-motivated individual that had many interests that required intelligence and attention to detail such as building his own television, stereo, and obtaining his pilot’s license flying small Cessna planes for many years. As a young boy, he and his brothers, David and Phil built a Rocket together. He often mentioned how much he loved spending time with his sister, Lou Ann, simply visiting.
He had an amazing passion for music and was often accused of having the music too loud, especially Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac, but that's how he enjoyed it best. He enjoyed the outdoors, Freewheeling across the state of Oklahoma as a member Oklahoma Bicycle Club of Bartlesville, and also loved motorcycling.
He was a dedicated hard worker! He worked in the oil fields in Montana, 26 years at Orval W. Carter Automotive in Coffeyville, 6 years at Emerson Electric in Independence, and his final 15 years at Amazon.com. Steve was one of the original 50 employees hired by Amazon when they opened. He retired just before they closed the Coffeyville location.
Steve married Joyce Deal on January 30, 1966 sharing over 20 years of marriage together in which they had two children, Keith and Kelli. Steve then shared his life with Cheryl Betts for many years, making their home in Independence. Steve's favorite sidekick, after his family, was his dog, Marley.
Steve was a thoughtful, quiet individual. Though his personality was somewhat of an introvert, he spoke loudly through his photographs. He developed a huge passion for photography where he won several awards. However, his favorite subjects were his grandchildren! He would often be found entering a sporting event with his equipment in hand, looking as though he was with a major news media. With the lens positioned just right he captured perfect shots of his grandchildren in each of their interests, whether it be a sporting event, a pig show, or a musical performance he was always there. Most recently Steve and his grandson built a drone that was equipped with a camera. This led to yet another opportunity for Steve and his grandson to capture the perfect photograph. His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy.
Steve's family will continue to share a lifetime of memories in the days ahead. He is survived by his children, Keith Tate and his wife Heather of Kansas City, Missouri, Kelli and her husband Danny Drews of S. Coffeyville, Oklahoma; his companion, Cheryl Betts of the home; his grandchildren, Hannah Baker, Savannah Drews, Cam Tate and Carson Tate; brother, Phil Tate and wife Laura of Cortland, New York; sister, Lou Ann Granning of Enid, OK; his nephews David Tate, Michael Granning, and John Tate; his nieces Linda Bolt, Lori Fisher, Melissa Bell, Anna Tate, and Susan Tate; and his sidekick, Marley. Steve is also at rest now with his parents, and his brother David Tate.
Funeral services celebrating Steve's life will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, Kansas with Evangelist David Bycroft officiating. Cremation will take place following the service with inurnment taking place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends also on Friday, January 18, 2019 from 11 am to service time. Contributions may be made payable to AWOL of Independence, 116 S 23rd, Independence, Kansas 67301 in Steve's memory, contributions may be left in care of the chapel. To leave a message of condolences for the family visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com
