Cullen Christopher Tate

A much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Cullen Christopher Tate, 65, of Riley, Michigan, passed away at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital on Thursday, February 26, 2026. He had bravely confronted and fought cancer. He was born July 21, 1960 in northwest Detroit, Michigan, and moved to West Bloomfield in 1970. He graduated from West Bloomfield High School in 1978. Cullen was in the US Air Force 1987-1994, and was in the US Air Force Reserves in the years following. He received an Honorable Discharge. He worked for Cassens Transport Company for many years, hauling cars, training new drivers, and picking the best routes to balance work and family.

Cullen was a man of many interests, which he pursued with all his heart. He loved classic cars and vintage trailers, and had many friends in the camping community. During his battle with cancer, he found comfort in joining the church, and became close with many in that community as well. He always had ideas for connecting groups of people, and loved a good joke. Everyone knew him for his deep interest, his boundless energy, and his generosity.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christine Tate, as well as his sons, Cullen Anthony (Haylie) Tate and Christopher Richard Tate; grandsons Ethan and Owen Tate; mother Dorothy Mae Tate; and sisters Tina (Dale) Etter and Kathy (Bruce) Kania; and nephew Ryker Tate. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Cullen Tate and his nephew, Phillip Frost.

Please join us celebrating his life on Tuesday, March 3, between 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 3725 Rochester Road, Troy, MI 48083. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you tune up your vehicles, as Cullen was fond of doing. Donations can also be made to Disabled American Veterans at DAV.org. (Select "Honorary and Memorial Gifts" under "Ways to Give")