DON TATE 2011

TATE, DON GILBERT - Passed away August 5, 2011 after a five year battle with COPD, under the care of his loving wife and children. He joins his infant son, Mark Alan who died in 1960. He was born in Battle Creek on December 28, 1933 to John Gilbert and Donna Lucine, who preceded him in death. After graduating in 1952 he joined the Navy where he served in the Philippines and Guam for three years as a Communications Technician. In 1966, the family moved to Jackson where Don worked for Jacobson's for 36 years. After retiring he went to work for Wetherby Funeral Home. Don was active in theatre since 1948, and loved all aspects. Acting was his forte, beginning here at Stone Village in '69. Other accomplishments include, co-directing Musical Theatre, President of Clark Lake Players, and was co-producer of Jackson County Rose Pageant. Don and Clara owned "Tate's Costume Rental", and also Tate's Take-Out with their son. He enjoyed traveling on his Honda Gold Wing with Clara. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years Clara; his children, Denise (Michael) Blair, Matthew (Lisa) Tate, and Dawn Marcinkiewicz; grandchildren, Justin, Kyle, Alyssa, and Caleb; step-grandchildren, Michelle, Mike (Amber), Alex, and Andrew; a step-great-granddaughter, Madisyn and a special cousin Barb. Don was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Great Lakes Hospice for their loving care and compassion the past 12 days. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will take place Monday, August 8, 2011 at Wetherby Funeral Home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Friends may send their condolences or share a memory with the family at Wetherbyfuneralhome.com www.Mlive.com/obits WETHERBY FUNERAL HOME 517.787.7511 wetherbyfuneralhome.com

Published in Jackson Citizen Patriot on August 7, 2011