David Gates

HOWARDVILLE -- David Gates, 74, died Oct. 23, 2008, at Hunter Acres Caring Center in Sikeston.

Born June 26, 1936, in Vardeman, Miss., son of the late Dave and Eula Mae Ezell Gates, he had lived in Missouri since 1955 and retired from Noranda Aluminum after 32 years of service.

On Nov. 26, 1971, he married Ruby Cockrell who survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two sons, Larry Vonteenous Gates of Swansea, Ill., and Dave Gates of Mount Vernon, Ill.; four daughters, Mary Ann Gates of Mount Vernon, Sheila Gates of Memphis, Tenn., Tammy Sue Gates of Howardville and Stephanie Gates of Lilbourn; three brothers, Howard Gates of Sikeston, Joe Gates of Howardville and James Gates of Murphysboro, Ill.; one sister, Renia Anderson of Howardville; and 22 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for noon until time for services at 1 p.m. Monday at the Friendship Church of God in Christ in Howardville. Charlie Claybourn will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid.

The Williams Funeral Home of Howardville is in charge of arrangements.