Danny Paul Gates

Danny Paul Gates, age 69, of Billings, departed this life on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at his home as he lost his courageous fight with cancer.

He was born in Elkhorn City, Ky., on Dec. 27, 1945 one of 15 children of the late James Carlton Gates and Blanche Sipple Gates. He was preceded in death by nine brothers: Joe, James, Harrold, Robert, Henry, Freddie, Billie, Jack, and Bernard. He is survived by and will be greatly missed his two beautiful sisters: Mary Mullins, of Kentucky and Kathleen Ramey, of Miss., and three wonderful brothers Richard Gates, of North Carolina, Kennith Gates, of Kentucky and Darrell Gates, of California along with many, many nieces and nephews.

Danny was a retired Transportation Manager at Rimrock Auto Group in Billings. He also worked for many years as a mechanic. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And he earned the honor of 32nd degree Master Mason.

Although Danny was born and raised in Eastern Kentucky he found his true home in Montana. He loved hunting, camping, fishing and being in the great outdoors. He had a magnetic personality which attracted so many friends and loved ones. He was a "character" always the life of the party and center of attention. He had a wonderful zest for life and a tremendous capacity to love. He enjoyed playing pranks, jokes and singing silly songs and always had a smile on his face. As everyone knows friends are the family that we choose in life and in Montana Danny acquired countless friends that he referred to as chosen family. He will be deeply missed by all and too numerous to name. He was a devoted Grandfather to Jordan Lawrence and was truly loved by so many. With loving acknowledgement to his chosen family: The Neibeling Family (Dave, Linda, Chase, Christopher, Chelsea, Elijah and Joel). The Roll Family (Jessica, Deon, Saria, Jocelynn and Brennen) Steve Sam, Robert Sam and Ken aka Hubba Blankenship, Bruce Hakes, Zondra Reynolds, and Corky Schmeling.

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of Cremation and Funeral Gallery with visitation at the funeral home on May 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. and funeral service will be at the funeral home on May 27 at 3:30 p.m. officiated by Brother Steve Zabawa and Bishop Hall. Obituary submitted by his cherished Kentucky family Mac, Mary, Lester, Kenny Bert and Ruby.