Edwin "Red" Tate

Edwin "Red" Tate, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the community, passed away on December 15, 2024, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home in Opelousas, Louisiana. Born on September 29, 1932, in Washington, Louisiana, Edwin lived a life characterized by his deep commitment to family, faith, and service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Edwin “Red” Tate at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Washington. Edwin’s nephew, Rev. Father Allen Trouille will celebrate the Mass. The Lectors will be his granddaughters, Olivia M. Smith and Brooke T. Peterson. The Gift bearers will be his granddaughters, Celina Guidry, Kimberly Thornell, Paige Tate, and Rhea Tate.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery in Washington. 

Visitation will take place in the Skip Montet Memorial Chapel at LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. A Rosary Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday in the funeral home.

Edwin “Red” Tate was a cattle rancher and spent most of his life managing livestock yards in Ville Platte, Opelousas, LeBeau, and Carencro.

Edwin was an active participant in various local organizations. He was a member of the Louisiana Cattlemen Association and the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. His devotion to youth and sports was evident through his membership in the Port Barre Athletic Booster Club and the Opelousas Catholic Athletic Booster Club. Further, he supported the McNeese University Athletic Booster Club and was a devoted supporter of the 4-H Clubs, nurturing and encouraging the next generation.

Edwin was not only committed to his community but found joy in the great outdoors. An avid fox and bobcat hunter, he also enjoyed rabbit and deer hunting. His passion for raising cattle and thoroughbred racehorses became a cherished tradition that he fervently shared with his sons, creating lasting memories that will be treasured by his family for years to come. 

Edwin exemplified kindness and love throughout his life. He was known for his strong spirit and unwavering support for his children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors.

He is survived by his loving family, whose lives he touched with his wisdom, kindness, and strength. His legacy of love, service, and devotion to family and community will forever remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his four sons, Ted Tate and wife, Charlotte of Port Barre; Tommy Tate and wife, Christy of Scott; Gary Tate and wife, Lynne of Port Barre; and Jeff Tate and wife, Christina of Opelousas; his daughter, Joni Tate Muller and husband, Scotty of Opelousas; fifteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Trouille Tate; his parents, Emile Tate and Cora Barron Tate; brother, Honore Tate; sisters, Alma T. Fisher, Luna T. Vidrine, and Thema T. Stevens; and great-grandson, Maxwell Muller.

The pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jason Tate, Jared Tate, Josh Tate, Jake Tate, Travis Tate, Graham Muller, Cameron Muller, and Justin Tate. 

The family would like to give thanks for the great care and compassion that was given to him by the nuns and staff at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home, his doctor and nephew, Dr. Richard Tate, M.D., and his doctor and granddaughter, Dr. Eliza Tate for their compassion and wonderful care that they gave him.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com. 

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.