It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “ Bob” S. Tate Jr., 71, on April 14, 2021.
He was born on August 22, 1949 in Leavenworth, Kans., to Robert and Shirley(Hoins) Tate. He married the love of his life, Sharon in November 1970 and they had two kids.
Both a patriot and beloved family man, Bob proudly served in the Marine Corp as a pilot for 20 years before retiring and moving the family back home. They purchased land in Kearney to build their dream home while he worked briefly at PanAm and then going to work for Balls Price Chopper before deciding to open their very own UPS Store franchise in Kearney. He loved nothing more than helping out in anyway he could, from winning the grocery grab contest and donating all his collected food to the local food pantry, to donating and printing books for the incoming kindergartners thru the Parents as Teachers program, to helping with the teacher innovation grants and being a part of the Kearney School District Education Foundation. His giving nature held true till the very end, as his final wish was to be an organ donor and with this wish he was able to help three more people.
He is survived by his children, daughter Heather Powell and husband, Michael of Kearney, Mo., and son, Robert Tate and wife, Jennifer of Holt, Mo.; sister, Peggy Lush of Cheyenne, Wyo.; and his two grandsons, Caden and Trent.
His memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and there will never be a moment, of any day, that he is not missed.
A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home from 3 to 7 p.m., with military honors at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Kearney Food Pantry in his name to continue his giving spirit.
Our Sincere Condolences
My Condolence goes out to Bob’s children. He was a great guy and he will be missed.
CeCe Lee
We will really miss Bob. He was one of the best. If we did something that was not quite right – he would tell us “If it doesn’t pass the Mom test I won’t do it” Good words to live by.
Tom & Peggy Sundquist
Bob Tate was kind man. He was always positive and great to be around. I am proud to have known him. He will be missed dearly.
Dan Sanchez
My condolences to Bob’s children & family. My was a admired & respected member of The UPS Store family. He will be missed.
Jeanie
We started our UPS Stores at the same time as Bob. He was always willing to work together and had such a giving spirit. We will miss seeing him in his apron. He and Sharon are together again.
Curtis & Pam Cooper
Bob, I will truly miss you. I am sorry to the Tate family for the loss, but Bob is home again with Sharon. I will miss them and the good times we had.
Bobby Preston
We flew with Bob in the Marine Corps in the A-6 Intruder, and he was a superb pilot and friend. Myself and three other Marines who served with Bob, were fortunate enough to spend a day with Bob while we were on a road trip out west in January a couple of years ago. He was in his apron, but it seemed like just yesterday we were back at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, we were re-living and telling stories of the good ole days.
Tom Blickensderfer