Anderson, Indiana - Orlia Arthur "Art" Tate Jr., 88, of Anderson, passed away peacefully with family and a family friend at his bedside on March 31, 2026.

Art was the eldest of four children. He grew up in Indiana.

After graduating from Ball State University, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. While serving, he met Elizabeth Ventura who was also serving in the Air Force as a Flight Registered Nurse. Art and Elizabeth were married in 1965. Art proudly served his country for 28 years at bases around the world, including North Africa, Canada, Italy and Vietnam. He retired from the Air Force in 1987 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retiring from the military, Art took a position in the public sector and worked at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston as Assistant Director of University Relations. He retired in 1994 to care for Elizabeth during her extended illness.

Art kept busy as a volunteer for a number of organizations in the Charleston area, such as volunteering as a certified instructor for the Illinois 55 Alive Mature Driving Course, a Junior Vice-Commander and Public Relations Officer for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1592, and a Master Gardener for the Illinois Extension Service. He wrote a weekly Lawn and Garden column for the Charleston Times Courier and the Mattoon Journal Gazette. In 1996, he was named as one of Illinois' Outstanding Master Gardeners by the University of Illinois Extension Service.

When he and Elizabeth moved to Belleville, Illinois, he continued his volunteer work. He was a member of the American Legion and a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He held memberships in the Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, and Toastmasters International. When Elizabeth died in 2008, he moved to Anderson at the urging of his sister to live closer to family.

After several years in Anderson, Art met Elaine Lugo, and they were married in 2015. They enjoyed each other's company very much, and they traveled, enjoying entertainment outings and time with both of their families. Elaine died in 2025.

Art was also preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Elizabeth; his parents, Orlia and Juanita Tate; sister, LaDonna Susan Tate; brother-in-law, Harry Grizzell; and sister-in-law, Marlene Tate.

Surviving relatives include his sister, Juanita Grizzell of Anderson; brother, Curtis Tate of Westerville, Ohio; son-in-law, Steve (Lynne) Lugo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Additionally, Art is survived by longtime family friends, Rex (Patricia) Lewis.

Art will be laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church in Anderson or a charity of your choice.

www.LooseCares.com.