Lonnie Ray Tate, 84, of Brunswick, MO died on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at the Brunswick Nursing Home. Funeral services will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Brunswick, MO, Friday, July 3, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. Pastor Glen Drewitz officiating. Visitation will be at the Breshears Memorial Chapel, Brunswick, MO, Thursday, from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. Burial will be in the Elliott Grove Cemetery, Brunswick, MO, Military Honors provided by Rucker-McAllister Post # 7 American Legion. Lonnie Ray Tate was born on March 17, 1931, in Brunswick, Missouri, the youngest of eight children born to Alma Irene Riley Tate and George Washington Tate.He attended Brunswick High School, and at age 18 left high school early to enlist in the United States Air Force. For part of his service, he was stationed at Clark Air Base, Philippines, where he earned a Good Conduct Medal. After proudly serving his country for three years, seven months and four days he received an honorable discharge on September 12, 1953 at Hamilton AFB California.While in California, Lonnie met the love of his life, Jerry Louise Floyd. They were married on March 24, 1959 in Miami, Oklahoma. They returned to Brunswick, Missouri in 1960, where they began their family.In 1960, Lonnie began working for Ludwig Kinkhorst at the Brunswick Bottling Company as a delivery man. Over the years, Lonnie became Ludwig's trusted eyes and ears due to failing health, and upon Ludwig's passing he inherited a percentage of what is now known as Kinkhorst Brunswick Distributing Company. In 1980, Lonnie and Jerry became sole owners of the business, which they sold to three of their children in 1998 upon retiring. Today, this business is owned and operated by Shelly Tate Kussman and Tessa Tate-Mauzey.Retirement found Lonnie and Jerry spending time each year in Queen Valley, Arizona, where they enjoyed the warm winters and meeting like-minded snow birds. The rest of the year was spent on the farm where they have made their home since November 1960.Lonnie was a loving family man, and a smart and honest business man with a generous heart and a community minded spirit. He was a lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church, and a longtime member of American Legion Post #7.Some of his favorite activities were morel mushroom hunting, camping, fishing, hunting, and attending his children's school and sporting events. He played countless hours of marbles, cards and Yahtzee with his family and friends. He always took pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He loved to tell stories and to share a laugh.Lonnie is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jerry and their three daughters Denise Irene Tate-Kuhler of Columbia, Shelly Ann Tate Kussman (Joe) of Dalton, and Tessa Nadene Tate-Mauzey (Kenny) of Mendon; thirteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Mac Tate in 2012, his grandson, Ronald Mac Tate, Jr. in 1986, his parents and seven siblings. Pallbearers will be, Phillip and Matthew Kuhler, Chase and Riley Young and Dustin, Ethan and Logan Tate. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kirk Gunn, Eric Kinkhorst, Butch Wiseman and R.B. Bond.In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association and St. John's Lutheran Church of Brunswick.