Joseph C. Tate

Joseph Clinton Tate, 87, died Wednesday August 5, 2015 in his home in Mayville surrounded by his sons and his pastor. Mr. Tate was born on June 10, 1928 in Ville Platte, Louisiana. His mother died giving birth to him and his father from cancer just a few years later. He was raised by his siblings until leaving home and enlisting in the United States Armed Services in 1945. He served during the occupation of Japan after the Second World War and in Korea during the Korean conflict. Joseph married Hazel Millard in 1954 and to this union were born two sons, John and Patrick. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1967 with the rank of senior master sergeant. Upon retirement from the military Joseph initially sold insurance and then became an accountant who was in private practice for many years in Portland, North Dakota. He was active in many aspects of civic life, at one time serving on the city council of Portland. He had previously served on the North Dakota State Board of Accountancy. He was a member of the Mayville Masonic Lodge, VFW, American Legion, and Valley Free Lutheran Church in Portland. He married the love of his life, Phyllis Hamilton in 2007. They enjoyed traveling and visiting family. Phyllis preceded him in death in 2011. Joseph is survived by one sister: Winnie; his sons: John (Mary) and Patrick; three granddaughters and one great grandson. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Valley Free Lutheran Church, 807 Jahr Ave, Portland, ND 58274 or the Goose River Masonic Lodge, PO Box 221, Mayville, ND 58257. Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial Service: 1:00 PM Sunday, August 9, 2015 at the Valley Free Lutheran Church in Portland, ND. Military Honors: May~Port Honor Guard and the ND Military Funeral Honors.