Melvin Tate

A Reflection of Life Gathering for Mr. Melvin Joseph Tate, age 73, will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2010, at Magnolia Court, 811 East Gloria Switch Road in Lafayette.
Mr. Melvin was a native and lifelong resident of Opelousas. He passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2010, surrounded by his family at his residence.
Mr. Melvin worked as a route salesman for many years. He also served in the Louisiana National Guard for six years. After his retirement, he worked at Meches Supermarket in Opelousas for the last four years.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and greatgrandfather. He lived a very full and humorous life. He had a generous heart and was helpful to everyone. He loved being outdoors especially while he was hunting, fishing, and camping. He would do woodworking in his shop in his spare time. He played the harmonica and enjoyed listening to his family play music. He played cards with his buddies. He was a past member of the Jaycees, the Boxing Club, NRA, and the Bowling League. He enjoyed sports and was an avid LSU fan and a closet Saints fan.
Survivors include three sons, William Billy Tate and wife, Adrienne of Lafayette Berchman Tate and wife, Allison of Sunset and Neil Tate and wife, Vicki of Youngsville two daughters, Rachael Deville of Omaha, Nebraska and Laura Prejean of Lafayette one sister, Helen Hebert of Opelousas one sisterinlaw, Clarisse Dugas of Lafayette eleven grandchildren and twelve greatgrandchildren.
Mr. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Rhona Boutte Tate one granddaughter, Sarah Delaney Prejean one greatgrandson, Jake Martin his parents, Berchman Tate and Aspasie Kidder Tate and one brother, Jerry John Tate.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Meches Supermarket for their love and support the staff of Hospice of Acadiana, especially Rose Lilly and Beverly Rozas and a special nurse, Mona Nelson for their wonderful care during his time of illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Melvins memory to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA, 70503.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.

Visitation

Magnolia Court
811 East Gloria Switch Road
Lafayette, LA  70507
Saturday, September 25, 2010
5:00 p.m.

Service

Reflection of Life Gathering

Magnolia Court
811 East Gloria Switch Road
Lafayette, LA  70507
Saturday, September 25, 2010
5:00 p.m.

Memorial Contributions

2600 Johnston Street Suite 200
Lafayette, LA  70503