Harold Gayle Tate

1925 - 2025

Harold Gayle Tate departed from this life on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at the age of 100. He died at home, on his own terms, just as he did everything in his life. Harold was born in Elbridge on February 10, 1925 to Russell and Gertha (Eisenlohr) Tate, the second of five children.

Harold came of age during World War II and left high school his senior year to join the U.S. Army, eventually serving in occupied Japan after the war ended. He returned to Hart to farm with his father.

Harold married Frances Lucille Barber in August of 1948, and they were married for 71 years before her passing in August of 2019. They had three children - Michael, Marilynn and Patrick. In addition to farming, Harold worked as a carpenter with his father and brother before joining the US Post Office as a rural mail carrier until his retirement at age 72.

Harold proudly served the Hart post of the American Legion for over 70 years, and participated in Oceana's Newsboys annual Christmas fundraising efforts until just a few years ago. In addition, his involvement in the Hart Historic District included making and serving coleslaw for their annual Labor Day Pig Roast, and for many years he grew the cabbage in his own garden. His large garden provided green beans, tomatoes, corn squash, and other vegetables for his children, grandchildren and neighbors, and his fudge and peanut brittle were family favorites every Christmas.

Harold is survived by: his three children, Michael (Nancy) Tate, Marilynn (Bob) Heer, and Patrick (Deborah) Tate; his six grandchildren, Shane (Jennifer) Tate, Hiedi (Derek) Michael, Jamie (Trish) Beckman, Theresa (Moriah) Van Etten-Tate, Marianne (Patrick) Standifer, and Rebekah Tate; seven great-grandchildren, Brady, Landry, Trayce, Jessica, Hannah, Nikolas, and Siena; four great-great grandchildren, Carter, Jade, Taytum, and Rocker; four step-grandchildren, Chris, Craig, Cameraon and Jenni; and two brothers, Jim (Nancy) Tate and Dan Tate.

In his passing, Harold joined his wife of 71 years, Frances (Barber) Tate; his siblings, Joyce (Paul) Anderson and Willard (Stella) Tate; and his parents.

The family would like to thank Harbor Hospice and Village Services for their excellent care which allowed Harold to remain in his home.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Friday, August 29, 2025, and also Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hart Historic District, 520 East Lincoln Street, Hart, MI 49420.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. www.beaconfh.com