Gallatin’s Phil Tate passes away at home

The Gallatin community was saddened upon learning about the death of longtime community leader and former state representative Phil Tate. He was 73.
Phil apparently suffered heart failure while sleeping at his home on West Grand Street on Sunday morning, Dec. 22.
Arrangements are still pending, under the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home of Gallatin, as this early edition goes to press. The online guestbook is www.stithfamilyfunerals.com
Mr. Tate represented the 3rd and 4th Districts in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1986 to 1996. He was widely recognized as a leader in the area of economic development on the state and regional levels of government, most recently assisting the City of Trenton in securing the Nestle plant which employs in excess of 100 people. Tate previously was influential in negotiations with Continental Grain Company to locate large hog confinement operations in North Missouri, resulting in the continuing employment of thousands through Smithfield Foods today.
A graduate of Gallatin R-5 High and the University of Missouri, Phil served five years as a Gallatin city alderman, six years on the school board and chaired the successful bond election to erect the vocational building.
Phil served in numerous civic and service organizations and was a 10-year volunteer fire fighter. For 17 years he was successful in private business before entering into the political arena serving citizens in this region and entire state. A full obituary and arrangements will be posted on NorthMissourian.com when available.