Robert H Gates

Robert H. Gates of Farmington, MO passed away January 4, 2014 at the age of 91 years. He was born July 21, 1922 in Des Moines, IA, the son of Harlow and Pearl (Lenz) Gates. On April 23, 1948 he was united in marriage to Betty V. Glass who preceded him in death on February 22, 2011. To this union three children were born; Joan and husband Bob Brown of St. Louis, MO, James and wife Nora Gates of Kirksville, MO, and Margaret and husband Joe Nesteroff of Milford, OH. In addition to his children, Bob is survived by a sister, Doris Jones of Santa Barbara, CA, twelve grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, two great grandchildren on the way, and a host of other relatives and friends. Bob earned a B.S. degree in Business from Washington University. He was employed at Shoe Factory Supplies Company in St. Louis for many years. While living in St. Louis, he served as an elder and Sunday School teacher at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church. He was on the board of the YMCA and active in the Republican Party. Bob later earned a Master of Divinity degree and retired from business in 1969. In the 1970's he and Betty relocated to Centerville, MO and lived on a branch of the Black River. They shared their farm as a retreat for church groups, and Bob taught Sunday School at the Black River Baptist Church. In the mid 90's they moved to Pilot Knob, where they lived for twelve years. In 2008 they moved to Farmington, MO and resided at the Presbyterian Manor. They had been married 62 years when she passed away. Bob served his country in the United States Navy during WWII.