Jerry Wayne Tate, Thomas Wayne Morehead

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Jerry Wayne Tate

Jerry Wayne Tate, 69, of Greentown, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Jerry was born on May 13, 1956, in Kokomo, Indiana, to his parents Wallace Eugene “Bob” Tate and Dorothy “Dottie” (Wilkerson) Tate. Jerry married Sandra “Sandy” (Crouch) Tate on October 12, 1974, and the two enjoyed many wonderful years together.

Jerry graduated from Kokomo High School in the class of 1976. He worked for Excello/Textron for many years until they closed their doors. Jerry finished out his working years as a CNC operator until retiring a few years ago. Jerry always kept himself busy. He was a gifted mechanic and enjoyed working with his sons in the garage. Jerry was incredibly patient, which made learning much easier. There really wasn’t anything Jerry couldn’t fix, yet he always had a humble spirit and never really acknowledged just how skilled he was. He would sometimes get phone calls from kids and grandkids who were frustrated with tasks they were trying to complete. Jerry would calmly say, “Walk away from it! Just give me a minute and I’ll come over and help you.” He was always the person you could call. Even if he was busy, not in the mood, or just plain didn't really want to, he’d still say “I reckon!” whenever asked to help.

Jerry was a huge history buff, especially WWII. He also enjoyed watching movies and taking his daughter to the “movie show.” Jerry made a point to spend quality time with his family, always enjoying fun activities. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He really appreciated his life and tried to never take a day for granted. The perfect day for Jerry would have consisted of spending time with God, his family, eating good food, and taking a ride on his Harley. Jerry had his priorities straight. His faith was always very important to him; he attended Harmony Christian Church in Elwood. Jerry definitely led by example, and he will be missed beyond measure!

Those left to carry on Jerry’s legacy of love are his wife Sandy Tate, children Randy (Krystal) Tate, Kari (Jeremy) Hughes, Dan (Stephanie) Tate, and Joe (Amanda) Tate, grandchildren Madison (Ethan) Evans, Haileigh Sandefur, Katlynn Sandefur, Jordin Sandefur, MaKayla Sandefur, Joey Badgley, Caleb Hughes, Halie (Jared) Baer, Jasmine Tate, Dani Tate, Mackenzie Roberts, Whitney (Robert) Rood, Michael Tate, Kyle Tate, Nate Bullins, and Andrew (Shelbie) Bullins, great-grandchildren Henry Evans, Lilly Evans, Quincy Evans, Aven Sandefur, River Firkus, Emelyn Baer, Charlee Rood, Braxton Rood, Layla Bullins, Paetyn Swetnam, Kennedi Swetnam, and Jamie Hughes, siblings Judy (Ed) Matson and Steve (Diane) Tate, as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jerry was welcomed into Heaven by his parents Bob and Dottie Tate, father & mother-in-law Bob and Wilma Crouch, sister, Joyce (JD) Powell, grandson Michael Paul Badgley, Baby Badgley, and granddaughter Kaylee Jo Badgley.

A funeral service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Pastor Josh Shoemaker officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tate family in their time of need.

Thomas Wayne Morehead

Thomas Morehead was born on Jan. 31, 1968, and passed away on Sept. 30, 2024. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Thomas Wayne Morehead, known affectionately to some as The Moose, Uncle Buck, and William; a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, colleague, and dear friend to many. Thomas left us unexpectedly on Sept. 30, 2024, in Christiansted, Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He was 56 years young.

The family wishes to acknowledge he would hate all of this — especially the being dead part — but also the pomp and circumstance of all that follows. However, since he “Irish goodbye-ed” us, we have no other course of action than to proceed, noting his general protest for such displays of adoration, affection, and the love we all feel for him, including the vast void of awesomeness his absence leaves behind.

Born on Jan. 31, 1968, in Kokomo, Indiana, Thomas grew up in a close-knit family and spent his childhood “up to no good” or “having the time of his life,” depending on who you ask. He was the proud son of Katherine “Kitty” Frances Morehead and Kenneth Michael “Daddy O” Morehead, and the brother of Steven “Albert” Michael Morehead and Dana Kay “Madge” Morehead.

From a young age, Thomas had a passion for life and personal connection, building an epically vast and cherished circle of friends. An Honor Society member at Haworth High School and general smart-ass, he was known for his wit, sense of humor and uncanny ability to light up any room he walked into. He was a passionate genealogy enthusiast, particularly focused on the Learner lineage, and proudly held the title of Learner Family Historian.

Thomas pursued higher education at Harlaxton College in England and the University of Evansville, where he pledged and became a Phi Kappa Tau brother while studying Social-Cultural Networking and Epicurean and Libation Studies. His academic journey wasn’t linear, but it was authentic — much like the man himself. These formative years laid the foundation for a life marked by exploration, learning and the pursuit of meaningful experiences with those he held in high regard.

In 2002, Thomas took a leap of faith and relocated to the U.S. Virgin Islands, initially working at Room with a View Restaurant in St. Thomas. It was in the islands that he found his true home, later settling in Christiansted, St. Croix, in 2007. His career as a Media Consultant for the Virgin Islands Daily News spanned almost two decades, during which he became a trusted advisor, talented organizer, and colleague. Described as “reliable as clockwork” and effortlessly professional, Thomas’s influence extended beyond his role — offering wisdom, humor, and friendship to everyone he encountered; Thomas was committed to and revered by the community.

Beyond his career, Thomas was a brilliant mind — a true genius — especially when it came to music. He was particularly fond of 1980s punk and new wave music though his tastes covered just about every genre. His vinyl collection alone could rival the Library of Congress in D.C. Thomas was more than just smart, though. He was a true gentleman, the life of the party, and someone who went out of his way to ensure everyone around him was having the time of their lives. With hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of lifelong friendships to his name, Thomas wasn’t just a friend, he was family to many and the Party Patriarch we never knew we needed. Whether sharing a laugh over cocktails or reminiscing about shared epic adventures along life’s path with some fine tunes playing in the background, Thomas lived life on his own terms and encouraged others to do the same.

“In 20 years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain.

Thomas leaves behind his father, K. Michael Morehead; his brother, Steven Michael Morehead; sister, Dana Kay Morehead; and beloved nieces and nephew, Karalena Fern Morehead (mother, Alexandria Baker), Sylvie Blanche Till (mother, Caitlin Till), and Link Learner Morehead (mother, Maureen (Wilkinson) Maple). He is also survived by his grandmother, Barbara Rose Morehead; Aunt Marcia and Uncle Dighty, Uncle Marty and Aunt Evie, Uncle Mark; cousins, Chris Morehead, Katie Davenport, Tim Switzer, Joe Switzer, Markita Morehead; and countless friends, including Randy Graf, Joe Smith, Colleen Quinn, Beth (Blondie) Webb, Gina Traylor, Matt (Happy) Holaday, Sabrina Schorm, Mike Grant, and Chris Sprinkle.

Thomas immensely enjoyed hosting all family, friends and fraternity brothers who were able to visit Saint Croix. The family expresses their gratitude also to Thomas’ neighbors.

Thomas is predeceased by his mother, Katherine Frances Morehead; paternal grandfather, Kenneth Eugene Morehead; maternal grandfather, Karl Osburn Learner; and maternal grandmother, Mary Lee (Reed) Learner.

In honor of Thomas, give back to your community and lend a hand to someone in need. Be there for your friends, just as he always was. Share a shot of Wild Turkey at Thanksgiving and spin your favorite Christmas tunes — or put on some Sinatra, The Doors, The Clash or Hank Williams Jr. If you find yourself in St. Croix, visit Sylvie’s Place or Calvin’s Spratnet Beach Bar, and be sure to raise a glass in his memory.

Celebrate the life of Thomas Wayne Morehead this Saturday, May 24, 2025. Please join family and friends for an open house at the American Legion Post 6, 2604 S. Lafountain St., Kokomo, starting at 2 p.m.