ODESSA Thomas Tate, 54, passed away on Sept. 28, 2014, of Cirrhosis. Thomas was born on August 5, 1960, in Austin, Texas. He lived most of his life in Odessa and could not imagine living anywhere else.
He graduated from Permian High School and was an avid fan of the football team throughout his life.
Thomas lived his life in the moment. He loved to fish, followed his grandfather, father and uncle into the masonic order and later in life accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He found a home and acceptance at Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He valued the friends he made at the church and was especially touched by Dr. Jimmy Braswell's loving kindness, patience and friendship. He will truly be missed by all those who loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Evelyn Tate. He leaves two sisters behind, Patricia Tate of Boulder, Colorado, and Sammye Burnett of Houston, Texas; brother-in-law, Richard Burnett, who he admired and loved as a brother; his nephew, Brian Burnett of Houston, Texas; niece, Lauren Burnett of Denver, Colorado; and a host of other relatives and friends. Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, at 10:00a.m. at Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Dr. Jimmy Braswell officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the church in his memory.

Arrangements are by Martinez Funeral Home.

Published in Odessa American on Oct. 12, 2014