Mark Tate

Mark Scott Tate:

A Life Well-Lived, Full of Heart, Humor, Music and Trivia

Mark Scott Tate, born April 6, 1958, and passing on September 23, 2024, lived a life dedicated to family, community, and the occasional epic trivia battle. Raised in Ridge Farm, Illinois, Mark graduated from Ridge Farm Township High School. His heart, humor, and willingness to dive into everything from football to track made him a vital part of his community. He played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. He was a Cub Scout, received the Good Citizenship award in grade school and the SAR Good Citizenship Award in high school. He attended Boy’s State. Most importantly, he began to form the values and friendships that would define his life.

After high school, Mark attended Illinois State University, earning a degree in Agricultural Sciences while also leading his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, as president. Mark was also Class Leadership President which positioned him to lead the student body to raise funds for the “senior gift”. The gift was a gazebo that now sits in the Quad at Illinois State University. Mark made a point to tell every person he knew who was attending Illinois State, to check it out. His college years included working at Jewel, showing early signs of his ability to juggle work, social life, and a little mischief. Mark's next move took him to Elk Grove Village, where he worked in Production Packaging and flexed his theatrical muscles in several local musicals.

Family was everything to Mark, and his love for them brought him to LeRoy, Illinois, where he lived for the last 33 years, near his brother Jeffrey, sister-in-law Janet, and their family. "Uncle Mark" wasn’t just a nickname—it was an institution. Whether helping his nephews, Jerrod and Joel, or showing up for every game, school function, and big moment, he was the go-to guy for advice, a good laugh, and the occasional unsolicited trivia fact. When his health became a concern in his later years, Jerrod and his fiancée, Samantha, returned the favor, caring for Mark with the same devotion and love he had shown them.

LeRoy didn’t just become Mark’s home—it became his extended family. He embraced the town, and the town embraced him right back. He was everywhere in the community: announcing football and basketball games, deejaying the annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraisers, and helping with high school plays. He was the mastermind behind the July 4th fireworks music production, ensuring the soundtrack was as memorable as the light show. Mark was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club, and an advisor for the LeRoy High School Key Club.

One of Mark’s most cherished traditions was reading to grade school children, often captivating them with his "WOW words" and his legendary annual performance of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. As many can attest, his love for storytelling wasn’t limited to kids.

In addition to his community involvement, Mark’s life was filled with music. He sang at weddings, deejayed many events, was an active member of the LeRoy United Methodist Church choir, and was never shy about grabbing the mic at karaoke night. His rich voice and sense of fun made him a memorable presence, wherever he went.

He was also a master of trivia. He won many meals for he and many of his nephews, at local trivia competitions. Mark had a way of knowing the most obscure facts, delivered with a grin and a quick wit that

made losing to him bearable. Whether it was serving the community or rooting for the Chicago Bears (even on tough losses, like the one before his passing), Mark’s loyalty never wavered.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Jane (Newsome) Tate and James Robert Tate; his brother Michael Dennis Tate; his brother-in-law Robert C. Norman, and his nephew William Robert Tate. He is survived by his siblings Nancy (Robert) Norman; Mike’s wife, Debra Tate; James (Terri) Tate; Jeffrey (Janet) Tate; Kevin (Carol) Tate; Kathryn (Mike) Ingram; Merry-Beth (Dave) Agans; Julie (Greg) Norman; and John (Melissa) Tate. As "Uncle Mark," he leaves behind a vast and loving family, including 22 nieces and nephews, 50 great-nieces and nephews, and 12 great-great-nieces and nephews. His influence on their lives is a legacy as lasting as any award or title.

Mark Scott Tate lived his life with a song in his heart, a joke on his lips, and a kindness that touched everyone he met. He will be deeply missed but always remembered. As Mark himself might have said after a trivia victory, "It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about enjoying the game." And Mark, you sure made the game of life a joy for all who played it with you.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Mark’s honor, at LeRoy United Methodist Church

Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 3:00pm

LeRoy United Methodist Church

201 N Chestnut St

Le Roy, IL 61752

A Toast to Mark - Mark’s hometown friends are hosting a gathering to toast Mark

Friday evening, Nov. 1st, 5-7pm

The Ridge

10 S. State

Ridge Farm, Illinois

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Mark’s honor to one of the following funds or to a charity of your choosing:

Crown Hill Cemetery

P O Box 350

Ridge Farm, IL

61870

Le Roy Elementary Literacy Program

805 N Barnett St

Le Roy, IL 61752

LeRoy United Methodist Church

201 N Chestnut St

Le Roy, IL 61752