Larry G. Tate – Benton, Illinois

Larry Gene Tate was born in Steel City on August 24, 1945, and passed away on June 19, 2025. He was 79 years old.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

He was the fifth of six kids born to Clarence and Beulah (Cole) Tate. With the exception of his 6 years served in the United States Army Reserves, he was a life-long resident of Franklin County. In his early years he worked at Page’s Grocery Store and later at Petroff’s before becoming a State Meat Inspector for 35+ years. He retired from the State in 2000.

Larry loved the outdoors and was an avid quail hunter. He spent most of his vacation time every year chasing Bob Whites. In his later years he could always be found at one of Benton’s coffee shops or town gossip halls.
He is survived by two sons Jason & Lisa Tate of West Frankfort, IL, and Andy & Megan Tate of Herrin, IL, two grandkids Austin Tate and Madison Tate both of West Frankfort, a sister Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Clarence Tate and Charles “Bud” Tate, two sisters Beulah Overturf and Marie Williams, and a nephew Tom Tate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Larry, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.