Tate Ward Eldridge, 69, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Tate was born September 12, 1952, in Kearney, Nebraska to Dorothy (Luedke) and Marvin Eldridge. He graduated from Kearney High School, Kearney, Nebraska in 1970.
Tate loved to travel and lived in different parts of the United States, including Jacksonville, Florida & Phoenix, Arizona. Phoenix, Arizona was where he found his true home and chosen family. He lived there a few different times throughout his life, but his heart was always there. He always loved to study and learn new things, and had a variety of jobs throughout his lifetime. His found his true passion while working for AIDS projects.
Tate was preceded in death by both parents, Dorothy Wade, Marvin Eldridge; brother Jim Eldridge; and uncle, Russ Luedke. He is survived by daughter, Desa (Chris) Clark of Fremont, Ne; nephew, James (Alisha) Eldridge of Knoxville, Tennessee; granddaughter, Delaney (Braden) Jones of Bismarck, ND; grandson, Dante Clark, of Fremont, Ne; and great-grandson, Remington Jones of Bismarck, ND. An interment will be held at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Online condolences may be left at www.mynattfh.com.