John W. Tate

John Walter Tate, 71, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Community North Hospital after battling a brief illness.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 20, 1947, son of the late Rev. J Sidney Tate and Margaret T. Jackson. John leaves behind his spouse of 46 years, Marcia, his daughter Jennifer Henderson (Anthony) and three grandchildren: Olivia, Jameson and Amaya, whom he adored. He is also survived by four siblings: Cherie Kelsey, Jerome Tate, Jerolyn Rose (Paul) and Sidney Tate; numerous nieces and nephews, friends and associates.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. J. Sidney Tate and Margaret T. Jackson and siblings: Keith Tate, Angie Rowe and Preston Tate.

John graduated from Metropolis High School (IL) in 1965 and then served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Europe. Upon his military discharge in 1968, he relocated to Indianapolis and studied at Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis. He was not afraid of hard work, and labored at Bell Telephone and Uniroyal Tires, before he began his professional career in the mailroom at Stokely Van Camp, Inc. He eventually worked his way up to sales. John went on to join Ralston Purina, now Nestle Purina and was a sales account executive for 33 years before retiring in 2010.

John enjoyed his family, sarcasm, a good steak and had a lifelong passion for books and music. He was known for his wit, honesty, sharp tongue, handiness, problem-solving abilities, talent to adapt in any situation and being a loyal friend. He will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 6pm on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Flanner Buchanan- Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave., with visitation from 4-6pm. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with refreshments immediately after the service.