Jerry W. Tate

Jerry Wayne Tate, 69, of Greentown, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Jerry was born on May 13, 1956 in Kokomo, Indiana to his parents, Wallace Eugene “Bob” Tate and Dorothy “Dottie” (Wilkerson) Tate. Jerry married Sandra “Sandy” (Crouch) Tate on October 12, 1974 and the two enjoyed many wonderful years together. 

Jerry graduated from Kokomo High School in the class of 1976. He worked for Excello/Textron for many years until they closed their doors. Jerry finished out his working years as a CNC operator until retiring a few years ago. Jerry always kept himself busy. He was a gifted mechanic and enjoyed working with his sons in the garage. Jerry was incredibly patient, which made learning much easier. There really wasn’t anything Jerry couldn’t fix, yet he always had a humble spirit and never really acknowledged just how skilled he was. He would sometimes get phone calls from kids and grandkids who were frustrated with tasks they were trying to complete. Jerry would calmly say, “Walk away from it! Just give me a minute and I’ll come over and help you.” He was always the person you could call. Even if he was busy, not in the mood, or just plain didn't really want to; he’d still say, “I reckon!” whenever asked to help. 

Jerry was a huge history buff, especially WWII. He also enjoyed watching movies and taking his daughter to the “movie show”. Jerry made a point to spend quality time with his family, always enjoying fun activities. He loved being a husband, father and grandfather. He really appreciated his life and tried to never take a day for granted. The perfect day for Jerry would have consisted of spending time with God, his family, eating good food, and taking a ride on his Harley. Jerry had his priorities straight. His faith was always very important to him; he attended Harmony Christian Church in Elwood. Jerry definitely led by example and he will be missed beyond measure! 

Those left to carry on Jerry’s legacy of love are his wife, Sandy Tate; children, Randy (Krystal) Tate, Kari (Jeremy) Hughes, Dan (Stephanie) Tate, Joe (Amanda) Tate; grandchildren, Madison (Ethan) Evans, Haileigh Sandefur, Katlynn Sandefur, Jordin Sandefur, MaKayla Sandefur, Joey Badgley, Caleb Hughes, Halie (Jared) Baer, Jasmine Tate, Dani Tate, Mackenzie Roberts, Whitney (Robert) Rood, Michael Tate, Kyle Tate, Nate Bullins, Andrew (Shelbie) Bullins; great grandchildren, Henry Evans, Lilly Evans, Quincy Evans, Aven Sandefur, River Firkus, Emelyn Baer, Charlee Rood, Braxton Rood, Layla Bullins, Paetyn Swetnam, Kennedi Swetnam, Jamie Hughes; siblings, Judy (Ed) Matson, Steve (Diane) Tate; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Jerry was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Bob and Dottie Tate; father & mother in-law, Bob and Wilma Crouch; sister, Joyce (JD) Powell; grandson, Michael Paul Badgley; Baby Badgley; and granddaughter, Kaylee Jo Badgley. 

A funeral service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton with Pastor Josh Shoemaker officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tate family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Jerry with his family on his tribute wall.  

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