Frank "Skip" Lester Tate

Frank “Skip” Lester Tate, 75, of Spelter, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with vascular dementia. He was born on November 16, 1950, in Meadowbrook to the late Frank Tate, Jr. and Mary Josephen (Ashton) Tate.  Skip spent his entire life rooted in the Meadowbrook and Spelter communities he loved so dearly.

Skip was a hardworking man who dedicated many years of his life to the West Virginia State Road and also worked as a coal miner for both Consol at Robinson Run Mine and Patriot. He was known for his strong work ethic, but just as much for his sense of humor. Skip loved telling jokes and could always bring a smile to those around him. He was a passionate fan of the New York Yankees and Notre Dame football, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his favorite teams. He also enjoyed cheering for West Virginia Mountaineers, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers.  In earlier years, he enjoyed golf.  And Skip loved gambling and his Bud Light. Above all, Skip cherished time spent with family and also enjoyed being part of his cousin’s businesses: Tate’s Fruit Market and Tate’s Service Station, where he made many lasting memories over the years.

Skip is survived by his loving wife, Tammie Tate of Spelter; his son, Mickey Tate and wife Gina of Shinnston; and his daughter, Christie Broadwater and husband Rusty of Lumberport. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Nikki Cottrill and Katie Cottrill and her companion, Travis McIntyre, all of Spelter. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Anthony, Sofia, and Nicholas Tate of Shinnston; Clayton Broadwater and wife Cara of Morgantown; Kaylyn Wiseman and husband Kyle of Lumberport; Kenzie Cottrill of Clarksburg; Gage Cottrill, Paris, Majesty, and his special little girl, Promyse Pearson, all of Spelter; great grandson, Grayson Shingleton and great granddaughter, Lyla Broadwater. Skip is also survived by his sisters: Bonnie Menendez of Hepzibah; Nancy Tate and her companion, Rod Glotfelty, of Meadowbrook; and Shirley Elbon and husband Phil of Hepzibah; special cousins:  Tony Blidgett, Butch Tate and Rocky Tate; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Skip is preceded in death by his son, Frankie Tate and his stepdaughter, Courtney Cottrill.

Skip will be remembered for his laughter, his love of family, and the joy he brought to those around him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will be received at Dorsey Funeral Home, 701 S. Pike St., Shinnston on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 12:00PM until time of service 4:00PM with Pastor Jim Glaspell officiating.

Dorsey Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements for the Tate family.

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