James Wesley Tate

My wife has never allowed a rose to remain on the vine, especially the first rose of the season... It deserved a high place, safe from the storms of spring...
James Wesley Tate was the first rose of a new generation, greeted with great anticipation on October 14, 1972, by three generations in the waiting. Born to a rodeo family, surprisingly Wes wasn't one to take to the bit. While in high school, it was discovered that Wes was in possession of two pretty amazing gifts, a quick wit and a pretty darn good singing voice. Not only could Wes sing, but he looked pretty good astride a pair of Justin boots. Shortly after graduating Collinsville High School, Wes set his sights on Nashville, Tennessee. Wes always had great support from his mother, Mary Hakel and husband, Rick, his grandparents Bob and Betty Swain and his younger brother Kyle, who for the longest time believed his big brother Wes was Superman... Three years of being away was more than Wes could stand, so he headed back to his roots and that's where he settled down... Wes never started a family of his own, he never had to. A guy like Wes found family in every single soul he met, so in a way, if you are reading this, you were his family.
December 30, 2020, in our hearts we ask why? I guess the simplest answer is, "It's just life." Maybe my wife is right... maybe a few are pick early before the spring storm or the winter snows set in... I know, if you are reading this, you have a special vase selected in which to place this beautiful rose...