William Tate

William Mitchell “Bill” Tate, 65, passed away at 7:09pm on Friday, September 2, 2016, in the emergency room at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.  He was born on November 27, 1950, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the son of the late Willie Arthur and Mary Jan (Mitchell) Tate.  He married the former Olive Main on October 16, 2004, in Grafton and she survives.  Other survivors include one daughter and son in law: Deanne and Michael Jockish of Fenton, Missouri, one son: William Mitchell Tate, Jr. of Summerfield, Illinois, a grandson: Tate Jockish of Fenton, Missouri, one sister: Tedra Meyer of Summerfield, Illinois, a brother and sister in law: Dave and Sheryl Tate of Freeburg, Illinois, two nephews and their wives: Doug and Trish Meyer, David and Mollie Tate, a great niece: Meagan, his former wife: Debra Schopp of Fenton, Missouri, a step son: Robert Davis of Carlyle, a step daughter: Annette McAfee of Carlinville, his step grandchildren: Olivia, Shelby, Courtney, and many other extended family and special friends.

Bill was formerly employed at National Auto Supply in East St. Louis.  He recently retired from Thermo King in St. Louis where he was an air conditioner and refrigeration mechanic.  He loved fishing, hunting, boating, and traveling.  He was a veteran of the United States Army where he was a Paratrooper in the 82^nd Airborne.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a wife: Lois Tate.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 4pm until time of reflection services at 7:30pm on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.  Full military rites will be accorded at 4pm on Wednesday at the funeral home by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.  Private inurnment will be at Tate’s Chapel Cemetery in Galatia, Illinois.

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online guestbook at available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

Obit Provided By:
Pitchford Funeral Home