Robert Tate

Dr. Robert “Bob” H. Tate passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning hours of July 31, 2018, while surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bob was a graduate of Huntsville High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University. He continued on to receive his MS in Physiology and his D.D.S. specializing in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston. During his career he was able to practice in Houston, Saudi Arabia, and for a non-profit organization providing free or low-cost dentistry for children in need. He finished his career as a professor at the school from which he got his start, the UT School of Dentistry at Houston.

The people in Bob’s life were his driving force. He could be found trekking across the globe to visit lifelong friends or new acquaintances. Out of all of his attributes, his ability to make fast friends with complete strangers was a trademark of his life. Bob visited over one hundred and thirty countries where he could be found sleeping on floors, mats, or couches of friends he had made throughout his journeys. He was often known to travel by train, bus, boat or even hitchhike through third world countries just for his love of adventure. He loved hiking, climbing, and scuba diving. Bob was an avid runner throughout his travels. He ran many marathons around the world including one in Antarctica, the deserts of Africa, and a 100-mile marathon in the Himalayas.  

Even though Bob had accomplished great things in his life, both professionally and personally, he had an innate humility that endeared him to all who knew him. Our lives today are much brighter because of the life changing impact he had on us. There are no words that could convey just how much he has meant to those of us who have loved him most. He will be greatly missed. 

Bob is survived by his long-term partner, Dr. Maria Del Carmen Lope; brothers, John H. Tate Jr. and his wife, Mary of Austin; Ronald G. Tate of Rusk; Ricky A. Tate and his wife, Lanette of Kountze; William T. “Tommy” Tate of Austin; nieces, Michelle Ryan, Carrie Tonroy, and Jessica Chambless; nephew, Trent Tate and his wife, Casey; great nephews, Josh Tate, Justin Ryan, Jake Ryan, and Jeremey Ryan; and great-great nephew, Mark Justin Ryan.  

To celebrate Bob’s life, we will gather at Broussard’s Mortuary, 530 West Monroe, Kountze, on Saturday August 4th, 2018. Please join us for the visitation from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m., followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., and a graveside service at Old Hardin Cemetery in Kountze where he will be laid to rest surrounded by members of the Tate family including his father John Tate Sr, mother Marie Tate and brother Donald Tate. 

In lieu of flowers, Bob has requested that donations be made to Save The Children.