Donal Jewel Tate

Of Melbourne, Arkansas

Donal Jewel Tate, son of the late Eldous William Tate and Clara Della Twilley Tate, was born April 30, 1939 in Lafferty, Arkansas.  He departed this life June 10, 2024 in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 85 years, 1 month and 11 days.  He was united in marriage to Gaye Moser Tate March 14, 1959 and together they raised three children.  Don spent his life as a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider and friend.  Don had a long career with Arkansas Forestry Service, retiring after 49 ½ years of employment.  He was an avid hunter, especially turkey and deer.  Don was of the Baptist faith and a member of New Home Freewill Baptist Church.

Don is survived by two sons:  Donnie Tate and wife Karen of Melbourne and Kevin Tate and wife Sheila of Evening Shade; his companion for eight years:  Vonita Smith of Batesville; four brothers:  Raybourne Tate and wife Janie, Delmo Tate and wife Leveda, Mickey Tate, Greg Tate and wife Reba all of Melbourne; five grandchildren:  Braden (Tara Jo) Tate of Melbourne, Corey Tate of Little Rock, Alton Roberson of Melbourne, Heather (Simas) Budreviciene of Vilnius, Lithuania, Jasmine (Robert) Hartgraves of Melbourne; ten great grandchildren:  Jasper Tate, Kyler Tate, Zemyna Budreviciute, Mateja Budreviciute, Greyson Hartgraves, Hudson Hartgraves, Kiersten Hartgraves, Sarah Hartgraves, Abigail Cohoon, Wayne Cohoon and a host of other relatives and many good friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his spouse; one daughter:  Kimberly Sue Tate; one brother:  Bill Tate; two sisters:  Sarah Morehead and June Hamilton.

Visitation and funeral service will be Monday, June 17 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.  Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m.  Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Jeff Eddy officiating.  Burial will follow at Reeves Cemetery near Guion.

Pallbearers: Robert Sanchez, Eric Morehead, Gary Shell, Gary Hutson, Travis Tate, Dale Silas.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Robert Hartgraves, Casey Tate.