Mr. Ronald(Ron) Tate

Ronald Tate 84, of Newcastle died February 17th at the
Weston County Health Services. He was born January 2,
1927 to Merrill and Noreen (McDougall) Tate in Dover,
MN. As an infant, he moved with his parents to the
Newcastle area. Ron attended school in Chugwater, WY. In
1945 he enlisted in the United States Army and served in
Germany. Ron received his private pilot airplane license in
1947 and learned to fly WorId War II Military Trainers. He
had several local friends who shared in his love for flying.
On April 24, 1954, Ron married Thelma BrandenbergColson.
The couple lived in Newcastle where he was
employed at Johnston's Fuel Liners as a truck driver and
mechanic. In 1995, Thelma passed away in Scottsbluff, NE.
After a "long distance telephone romance," Ron married
his friend of 42 years, Virginia Kerns in Bethany, MO.
Until his retirement in 2004, Ron was owp.er and operator
of his trucking business.
Ron's hobbies included building model airplanes, flying
remote controlled airplanes, playing cards, carpentry and an
occasional trip to Deadwood. He also enjoyed spending
time and volunteering at the Weston County Senior
Services.
Survivors include wife, Virginia, daughters Barb (Calvin)
Cook Minatare, NE, Karen Stroh North Platte, NE, Jane
(Randy) Rhoades Newcastle, Debbie (Rex) Fletchall
Agency, Missouri, sons, Tom (Donna) Kerns New
Hampton, MO, Ernie (Mary) Wood Newcastle, Bruce
,
..
(Janeen) Wood Lodi, CA and Steve Kerns Newcastle.
Brother Cecil Tate of Casper. Sisters Sharon (Eugene)
Sweet of Gillette and Minta (Earl) Gray of Sundance; along
with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces
and nephews.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, wife Thelma, and
brother Dwayne Tate.
A memorial service will be held Saturday February 26th at
2:00 PM at the Weston County Senior Services, 627 Pine
Street with Pastor Dave Allen officiating. Honorary
pallbearers are his many friends.
A memorial, in lieu of flowers, has been established to the
Weston County Senior Services and the Cambria
Community Church.
Cremation has taken place with burial in Fort Collins, CO
at a later date.