Obituaries

Robert Joe Tate, known to all as Bob Tate, passed away on December 21, 2020. Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Claire Lavender Tate, his son Robert Timothy Tate and wife Quyen Tate, his daughter Claire Tate Rehmet and husband Christopher Beall Rehmet, his grandchildren Michelle Catherine Tate, Daniel Robert Tate, Robert Tate Rehmet and Houston Beall Rehmet, as well as brother-in-law Carey Lavender. Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Bob was a life-long resident of Sherman who was born on January 27, 1939 to Joe Lee Tate and Leta Goodnight. He attended Sherman High School where he met and began dating his high school sweetheart Sandra Lavender. The two started dating in 1955 and were voted High School King and Queen in 1957, the year they both graduated. They continued dating as Sandra obtained her Master’s in Education from Austin College and Bob began his career in construction. They were married in 1961.

Bob was part of a generation that displayed a remarkable work ethic and he worked almost every day of his life. As a child Bob raised rabbits for cash, among other jobs, and worked through high school keeping the books for Rocket Oil and then working for Kress’s Department Store. After high school, Bob owned Tate Lumber Company, the local lumber yard in Sherman. Bob started Tate Construction Company and built houses and developed property. Bob truly loved his work and enjoyed seeing construction projects enhance the city of Sherman which he loved his entire life. In 1976 Bob restored the Lyon House to gain an Official Texas Marker in accordance with the Texas Historical Foundation, Texas State Historical Commission, and Grayson County Historical Commission.

Bob’s generous nature was evident at an early age and he loved to surprise someone with a gift. As a high school student he managed to save enough money to buy his mother a television, the first in that area of Sherman. Bob wouldn’t hesitate to pay for a meal or employ high school students who asked for a summer job. He gifted his family signet rings inscribed with the Hebrew symbol for strong household. Bob would take almost any opportunity to help someone in need.

Bob would also take any opportunity to pull a prank. Many who know Bob are aware this is not the first time his obituary has appeared in The Herald Democrat, which erroneously reported that Bob died in 1983. Rather than clarify the error, Bob camped out at his home for several days as casseroles began arriving along with guests who would laugh with Bob when they found him alive and well.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date.

You may offer online condolences at dannelfuneralhome.com.