FRANKLIN COUNTY – Larry Gene Tate, age 79, of Franklin County, passed away on June 19, 2025. He was born in Steel City on August 24, 1945.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on 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 held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday evening, and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Larry was the fifth of six children born to Clarence and Beulah (Cole) Tate. Except for his six years of service in the United States Army Reserves, he was a lifelong 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, a role he held for more than 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 each year chasing bobwhites. 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 grandchildren, Austin Tate and Madison Tate, both of West Frankfort; a sister, Alice Schablowsky (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 for the family or to share memories of Larry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
