Larry L. Tate

Larry L. Tate, 57, of Smithfield, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney.

Larry was born on October 17, 1967, in Lexington, Nebraska to Verna White. He attended school in Missouri and graduated from Koshkonong Mo High School. While in high school, Larry worked on a cattle ranch.

Following high school, on September 18, 1986, Larry enlisted into the United States Air Force at St. Louis Missouri, where he began working as a mechanic. Larry proudly served his country where he was recognized with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with two devices, AF Good Conduct Medal with two devices, the National Defense Service Medal and Southwest Asia Service Medal during the Gulf War. After dedicating over ten years of service, Larry was honorably discharged on May 28, 1997.

Following his discharge, Larry moved to California, where he worked on a Horse Ranch. Wanting to be closer to his family, Larry moved back to Nebraska where he would later retire.

Larry had many hobbies throughout the years; he loved cars and going to auctions. He enjoyed woodworking and his latest hobby was vinyl wrapping. He loved his family immensely, especially his nieces and nephews. He was always there for his family and willing to give a helping hand whenever it was needed. He was recently baptized, which was important to him, and he always had tremendous pride serving his country.

Survivors include his mother, Verna Barnhouse of Smithfield; brothers, Lewis (Patricia) Tate of Bertrand and Shanne Cole of Kearney; sister, Susan (Rick) Smith of Holdrege; daughter, Diana of Germany; two grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandmother, Alice Dishman; his aunts, Carol Price, Ike Lawhead and Eveyln Sullivan.

A Celebration of Life Service for Larry will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church near Smithfield with Pastor Jack Taylor, officiating.

There will be a Memorial Book Signing with family and friends on Friday, October 24 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church near Smithfield.

Burial will follow the Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in the Columbarium with Military Honors.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Holdrege VA.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com