Lowell Thomas Tate, 77, of Tomball, passed away on February 9 ^th after a brave battle with colon cancer.

Tom, know as "Tommy" by some, was born on November 1 ^st 1945 to Dorothy Seely Tate and Albert Morris Tate in Houston, TX and was the 4 ^th of 8 children. In 1958 at the age of 13, Tom's dad passed away suddenly leaving him and his older siblings to step in to get jobs to  help their mother and help care for the younger children. This responsibility and pattern of loving and giving to others was a trait he carried on throughout his entire life.

After graduating for Normangee High School, Tom began working in the iron-working field until he was drafted into the Army and sent to the Vietnam War as a truck driver. He served his country well and when he came back to Houston, Tom began a career in teaching metal shop which eventually led to a life-long career of owning a manufacturing machine shop that proved fruitful.

In 1968 Tom married Kathy Jane Lindsey and they had three wonderful children. First was Shannon Lea in 1969, followed by Kerrie Kathleen in 1972, and then a son, Raymond Casey in 1978. As a father Tom liked to have fun and be goofy. He would come into the room in the morning crowing like a rooster if he thought you were sleeping late, and he did a great impression of Donald Duck and Goofy. He would get Shipley's Donuts every Sunday morning and take the kids to see the Astros. He would sing old songs he learned from his childhood. One was about a war in 1814 and his kids loved to hear him sing it. He would also tell a funny story about a big mouthed bullfrog and do the voices of all of the farm animals. These wonderful memories will continue to be passed down for generations to come. Tom loved his children with his whole heart and although he put on a gruff exterior at times, his children always knew how much they were loved and that their dad would do anything for them. Tom was also a wonderful PaPa to his 6 grandchildren and each of them were such a joy to his life. Recently with the birth of Kolyns, Tom became a Great-Grandfather which made him so happy.

Tom had many hobbies and activities that he enjoyed throughout his life. He loved to hunt and go fishing with his friends as well as play poker and play golf at Tomball Country Club. He had a quick wit about him and you never had to wonder what he was thinking because he would tell you what was on his mind. Tom had a huge impact on everyone who was lucky enough to know him and he will be missed greatly by many.

Preceded in death by parents, Albert and Dorothy Tate – Siblings Morris Tate, James "Buddy" Tate, Shirley Cox, and Michael Tate. He is survived by his children – Shannon Loftin, Kerrie Cox and Casey Tate. Grandchildren – Katy Reimer, Dylan Cox, Addison Loftin, Dalton Cox, Nick Tate, and Jonathan Tate. Great Grandchild – Kolyns Reimer. Siblings – Pat Tate, David Tate, and Kathy Tate. Numerous nieces and nephews and long time friends.