Anthony (Tony) Martin Tate

July 13, 1946 – October 2, 2025

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you
that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
— John 14:1–3

Anthony “Tony” Martin Tate, a beloved husband, father, veteran, and servant of his community, passed from this life into the eternal home his Savior prepared for him. He was born on July 13, 1946, in Silverton, Oregon, to Roy and Monica Tate, the youngest of their nine children — four brothers and four sisters — and carried that role with the quiet humility that would define his entire life.

Tony grew up and attended school in Corvallis, Oregon, where he developed the hardworking spirit and love of the outdoors that stayed with him throughout his years. After graduation, he answered his country’s call and enlisted in the United States Army. He served honorably, spending two years stationed in Germany from 1967 to 1969, and was honorably discharged in February 1969.

On January 20, 1970, Tony married his best friend, Helen, and began the greatest chapter of his life. Their union, which stretched 55 beautiful years, was a testament to love, commitment, and the faithfulness Tony showed in everything he did. Together they built a family and a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the steady presence of a man who believed deeply in the people around him.

Tony dedicated 33 years of his working life to Wah Chang / ATI, where his diligence and dependability earned the respect of all who worked alongside him. But it was outside the workplace that Tony’s heart for people truly shone. He served the City of Jefferson as a Council member and on the Planning Commission, and played a meaningful role in helping establish the Jefferson Food Pantry — a legacy of compassion that continues to feed neighbors in need. Whether it was volunteering in his community, helping friends with their vehicles, shooting pool with a grin, or setting up camp beside a quiet stretch of river with a fishing line in the water, Tony was most at home when he was giving of himself.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife, Helen; his two sons, Raymond and Timothy; and his two sisters, Alice Anderson and Rose Coffey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Monica Tate, and his brothers and sisters who went before him.

Tony lived a life anchored in faith. His favorite passage, John 14:1–3, speaks of a place being prepared — and those who knew him have no doubt he has arrived there, welcomed home by the Savior he trusted. He leaves behind a family who loved him, a community he served faithfully, and a memory that will not soon fade.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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Several of us from CHS attended the May 30, 2026, memorial for Tony Tate.  Tony was a long time, loved, and respected person in the Jefferson OR community.  We were greeted by a sign announcing Tony’s memorial and an overflowing parking lot at the Abundant Life Church where Tony was a long-time member. 

Several people spoke about Tony’s life.  Pastor Jason spoke first and then friends and neighbors.  We heard that Tony was a good man, easy going, always smiling, hardworking, kind, reliable, and always ready to help others.  He served God by serving people.  Tony loved fishing and movies.   

Tony had 4 brothers and 4 sisters and was married to his wife Helen (Helen Herron, CHS ’67) for 55 years.  They raised two sons.  Tony worked at Wah Chang in various jobs and after retiring started recycling metal and met and helped more people in the community.