Rodney Tate

Rodney Reeves Tate passed away peacefully in his home on 11/26/2025, surrounded by his loving family, including his dog, Zoe.

Rodney was born on February 14, 1944 in Levelland, Texas to Paula Reeves Tate and Floyd George Tate. As a young boy, Rod loved playing with his two younger brothers, Eddie Paul and Gregory Floyd. Many happy memories were made on their family farm in Newcastle, TX riding horses and exploring. As a teenager, Rod loved cars and playing basketball for the Mineral Wells Rams. Through mutual friends, Rod met his future wife, Patt McCleskey. They had their first date on April 22,1967 and married October 22, 1967. Recently, they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. In 1970 they welcomed their daughter, Jolie, and in 1975 welcomed their son, Colby. Rodney worked a variety of jobs, while he and Patt attended and graduated from Tarleton State University with master’s degrees in education. Rod taught 5th grade at Cullen Grimes Elementary in Mineral Wells, Tx and 7th grade Texas and U.S. History at Early Middle School in Early, Tx. He was loved by so many of his students because he brought laughter and fun to the classroom while instilling knowledge and wisdom to their young minds. He was a good husband and Dad that has left lasting happy memories of fun family vacations and camping trips, so many game nights and times spent coaching and guiding his kids in their many sport and school interests. His son Colby gave him two treasured grandsons, William and Thomas. Rod enjoyed sharing his love of horses with his grandsons and would travel to see them every chance possible for hugs and laughter. Throughout his life Rodney had many athletic passions that included softball, golf and especially tie-down calf roping which he was blessed to do until his last roping at the age of 75. He loved farm life and would spend hours with his cattle, horses and working the land. Rod and Patt both shared a love of horses and enjoyed many beautiful moments leisurely riding fields together and enjoying nature. Until recently, Rod could often be found gazing at the birds in trees outside the windows, watching the hawks fly along the currents and appreciated the beautiful clouds and many sunsets from the back porch. Alzheimer’s/Dementia had limited some of his abilities, but he continued to appreciate nature, laughter with good friends and loving, joyous moments with family. He was lovingly cared for by his wife, children and caregivers Sherry Ludwiczak, Emalee Huddleston and Alyssa White. In his final two months he received excellent care from Solaris Hospice Care out of Mineral Wells. He will be missed every day, but to honor him will be to have a good laugh, reach out to a stranger with humor or kindness and always make time for fun.

Rod is survived by his brother Edd Tate and wife Gayle, his brother Greg Tate and wife Charline, his wife, Patt, his daughter, Jolie Tate, his son-in-law, Mike Ratliff, his son Colby, his two grandsons William and Thomas, and his horse Durango. He was preceded in death by his father Floyd George Tate, his mother Paula Reeves Taylor and stepfather Joe Taylor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your local food pantry or animal shelter.