Search by Name

Search by Name

Robert Gates Obituary

GATES Robert Darnell "Bobby" Gates, age 52, passed away unexpectedly October 7, 2010 after a short illness. Bobby accepted Christ at a young age and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, Dayton. Upon moving to Columbus, Bobby united with the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church where he was active with the Male Chorus, Men's Fellowship and the Bible Study Care Group. A graduate of Fairview High School and The Ohio State University-Bachelor of Arts Degree. A very active collegiate and alumni member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He recently retired from United Parcel Service (UPS) after 33 years and was currently working part-time for the Statewide Delivery System. He was an avid OSU and Dallas Cowboy fan. He leaves to cherish his memory parents, Willie Ruth and John Henry Gates of Dayton, Ohio; sister, Karen Gates Ferguson; brother, Gregory (Tiffany) Gates; Godson, Tevin Favor; nephews, Barry Ferguson of Charlotte North Carolina, Darius White, Carlton Howard, Jr.; nieces, Bria Gates, Jada Gates; great- niece, Mylaz'ay Guinn; great- nephew, Kamall Jackson; and a host of other relatives and close friends. Funeral service will be 7 p.m. Thursday, October 14, 2010 at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, 2956 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH Dr. Keith A. Troy, Pastor. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. at the church. On Friday, October 15, 2010 from 12Noon-3 p.m. there will be a Visitation service at Macedonia Baptist Church, 27 N. Gettysburg Ave., Dayton, OH. Dr. Jamison Hunter, Pastor. Interment will follow at West Memory Gardens. www.hhroberts.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Oct. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gates

Not sure what to say?





Marvin Green

May 18, 2011

I just found out yesterday about Bobby's passing. I only had the opportunity of knowing him briefly but I realized immediately that he was a friendly, cool, down to earth brother. He always talked about family and I appreciated that also, just an all around good guy! He's in God's hands now...God bless him...

Tom Carmichael

October 30, 2010

Candy and Family: My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. We had a great time at OSU! God Bless and keep u!

Linda Hayes

October 26, 2010

Karen,
I was deeply saddened when I heard your brother had passed. You and your family are in my prayers. May God bless you and give you peace during this difficult time. Love,

Mr. Doc & Barb DeBerry

October 20, 2010

May your Covant w/ the Lord be the holding Grace that will brind you & yours the Peace and mercy during these toughtimes ahead.We send our earnest,Heart-felt Condolences and Symphythes to Comfort Thee.

Daphne (Bell) Gilbert

October 18, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over your family.

Nick Nicholson

October 17, 2010

Our prayers are with the family during this time.

Michael Green

October 16, 2010

To the gates family. My prayers are with you in your time of sorrow

LaMicah White-Hill

October 15, 2010

To the Gates Family: My prayers and thoughts are with the family in your time of sorrow. Bobby was always like a Big Brother to the Upper Ave Family and he will be missed. RIP!!!

October 15, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Bobby was a great spirit and enjoyed all that life had to give. His memory will live on in your hearts.
Janice Brown (Dayton, OH)

Beverly Terrell

October 14, 2010

To the family, our prayers go out to all of you. We know that there is a huge hole in your hearts but God knows best. There is no more suffering and pain for Bobby because he is in a far better place than we are. Love, Beverly, Michele and Tiffany

Maurice Elder Jr

October 14, 2010

To the Gates Family,

We will all miss Bob's smile and kindness and I pray that we all remember all the good times we have spent with him. God Bless you and Kept you as you go through this most difficult time.

God Bless
Maurice

Cyntha Johnson

October 14, 2010

To Bob Gates and family. I wish to offer my prayers and sympathy during your loss.

Don Williamson

October 14, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Michael Turner

October 14, 2010

To Bobby:
My Frat, My Friend, My Dayton connection. The ol' head Brothers of Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Ohio University convey condolences to your family in the loss of Bobby, but gladness is in our hearts knowing he is now in the presence of our loving Saviour. Grace and Peace to the family.
--Michael E. Turner & Family

Marva Swanigan

October 14, 2010

God bless you the Gates Family, my family. Bobby will forever be with us in spirit. He truly loved his family. No one will ever be able to say "what's up cuz" like Bobby. The Ways-Lakes family reunions will not be the same. Love

Sharon Allen- Frasier

October 14, 2010

Isaiah 57:1-2 Says: Good people pass away, the Godly often die before their time. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die. Bobby keep a place for the rest of us, for we will see you again. May your family find peace during this time. God Bless.

Patrick Beasley

October 14, 2010

Bobby will surely be missed especially during Family Reunion time. I'll always cherish those memorable moments. Candy and family...may our God of comfort continue to sustain you during this difficult time.

Robert Reed

October 14, 2010

" My prayers and support go out ot the family, I just talked to my friend two weeks ago and was planning a big weekend at the Dallas / Indy game in Indianapolis. I am without words.... God Bless

C. Maxwell

October 14, 2010

TO Karen and The Gates Family
On behalf of The Phi Beta Sigma Sweetheart, Delta Omicron Chapter, OSU.
Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers goes out to you and your family during this time. Bobby was a "Gentleman" and He Loved us All he will be missed.

valerie flewellen

October 14, 2010

To the Gates family,
May the peace of God and the comforting Holy Spirit be with you during this difficult time. Bobby was a friend whose warm smile and big heart will truly be missed. We are praying with you during this time.

Doreen Gosha

October 14, 2010

To the Gates family , my deepest condolences, my prayers are with you all
Doreen Gosha
Zeta Phi Beta

Edward Dudley

October 14, 2010

To the Gates Family. I knew Bob for over 25 years and enjoed his plesant demeanor. Always a kind word and a giving spriit. He will be missed dearly.

Jay, Erica, Malik @ Malcolm Mock

October 14, 2010

The true "definition" of a good person. God bless you Bobby!!

Paul (Jennifer ) Swails

October 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers go out to Candy and the rest of the Gates family.My "Spec" was always a special young man with a unique style and perspective on life, along with a special smile and laugh. Lets not mourn his passing , but celebrate a life well lived. He's in Gods hands now.

Sabrina Tutstone

October 13, 2010

You and your family are in my prayers. Call me if you need anything! Love You!
Sabrina Tutstone

All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord

Sandra Alexander

October 13, 2010

Gates & Favor family--Sorry to hear of the loss of an OSU alum, dear friend and brother in Christ. Be comforted in the fact that he is looking down upon you along with that great cloud of witnesses.

Sandra Alexander
[email protected]

Kay Scott Powell

October 13, 2010

I knew Bobby for many years and will always keep him in my heart. He always, always made me laugh and I will miss that. He is with our Father now and I hope that brings the Gates family some sense of comfort.

William Covington

October 13, 2010

To the Gates Family,
I am sadden to hear of the loss of Bobby, and a loss it will be. I met Bobby at OSU, and we are frats. He was a good friend and a good brother. I will miss his smile, sense of humor, and his friendship. God rest his soul, and bless his family and friends. - Nikki

jeannette, mark, margo moon

October 13, 2010

our prayers go out to the gates family in there time of sorrow.

Gerard Lowe

October 13, 2010

My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the Gates Family. Bobby was a frat brother and friend who had a great sense of humor. Some of the things he said kept me laughing days afterwards when I recalled them. He will definitely be missed, however, when thought of, his memories will bring smiles to all who knew him.

Gerard Lowe
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Kent State University
MAU MAU

Min. Angela Billingslea

October 13, 2010

Although I did not know him well...My prayers are with you all during this time of Bobby's transition. He will be missed by all who knew him. I will especially miss seeing him singing with the New Salem Male Chorus. Be comforted in knowing he is at peace with his heavenly father!

Robert(Bobby) Greenlee Jr

October 13, 2010

My Condolences to the Gates Family,
Bobby and I attended Jackson Elem together. My Wife Karen(Coleman) went to school with both Bobby&Karen. We are both named Bobby and our wife's are named Karen, God Bless the Gates Family at this Time of Loss.

Denise Bradley Walker

October 13, 2010

My prayers are with the Gates family. Bobby will be missed by the many lives he's touched. May God provide you all with comfort and peace. Be Blessed.

Kim Walker-Jones

October 13, 2010

Gates Family,

Bobby was a very good friend to us and will be missed very much so. We grew up in Macedonia Church together.

Love

Kim and Steve Jones

Suzan Badawi (Statewide Delivery)

October 13, 2010

The State-Wide Delivery Service team remembers Bobby as a young man who enjoyed life and the many people he surrounded himself with. He was a cherished colleague and friend. He was an active and valuable part of so many lives. He will truly be missed. Our condolences to the Gates family.

Devin Reese

October 13, 2010

Bobby there arent enough words to say how much you will be missed. Thank you so much for your encouraging words over the years and continued support. Much love always

October 13, 2010

My deepest condolences to the Gates family. We met at Ohio State our freshman year and became friends. I used to see him in his UPS truck downtown. He'll be missed. I'm keeping you in my prayers.
Gina Baker Pleasant

Douglas & Tonya Crouch

October 13, 2010

Karen, We are truly saddened to hear about Bobby's passing. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family. We have been friends with Bobby since OSU. We will miss that big smile he had whenever he saw a friend.

Tom Zentz

October 13, 2010

No longer is Bobby merely imagining what Heaven will be like...he is there, with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He now fully knows the joy and peace and comfort that he has longed for since trusting in Christ. No more pain, no more tears, no more sin, with Jesus - Does it get any better? Our prayers are with his extended family! Tom Zentz, Financial Advisor at Ameriprise Financial Services

Daryl "Tony" Byrd

October 13, 2010

My deepest sympathy to the Gates family,I grew up with Bobby in
Dayton,OH,and I will miss him very much.God bless our family.

Cassaundra Dee Ford

October 13, 2010

To the family of Bobby, my prayers are with you always. May the Lord comfort, bless and keep you! He doesn't make mistakes we loved him, but the Lord loved him more...

Charles Byrd

October 13, 2010

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Gates family in your loss. I have know Bob for years and he is a good Christian brother. I like the fact that he was always true to himself. He will be missed.

Regards,

Mr & Mrs Charles Byrd

October 13, 2010

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Gates family in their loss. I have known Bob for years and he has always been a good Christian brother. I loved the fact that Bob was one person who was always himself. He will be missed.

God Bless,

Mr & Mrs Charles Byrd

Dwight Austin

October 13, 2010

Robert {Bobby} you will be surely miss.May God Bless and watch over your Family and Friends.

Vonda Dunn-Strickland

October 13, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with the Gates family. Bob was my brother and best friend who I will miss very much. I will remember the good times we shared.

Your friend Vonda

Amy Dodson

October 13, 2010

Karen my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of great loss.

Tonya Howard-Ross

October 12, 2010

You have my deepest sympathy. I am a childhood friend of Bobby and Candy. I will always cherish the fond memories of us growing up together. I will keep your family in my heart and prayers. May God comfort you and keep you.

Derrick Jeter

October 12, 2010

My prayer go out to the family and friends of Bob. I went to school with Bob and Karen at Patterson. We will always keep a warm place in our heart for Bob. May God be with the family and friend during this time of condolence.

Angela Loveless

October 12, 2010

My prayers and condolences go out to the family. There are never no words that can express the feelings and emotions that the family and friends will endure. Bobby will be missed, never forgotten. The laughs that we shared as coworkers and friends will remain forever. May God bless the family in this time of need.

Darrell Tall

October 11, 2010

My condolences to the Gates family,I grew up with Bobby and Karen,from Jackson to Patterson. Trust in God in this time of need,He will see you through.

Edythe Bouldin

October 11, 2010

My prayers are with your family during this time. I was a class mate of Karen's and my brother Edward was a class mate of Bobby's. Remember the good times and the laughs. May God bless and sustain your family during this trying time.

Edythe Tisdale

Annise (Neesee) Pruitt-Anderson

October 11, 2010

To my family
Words can never express the feelings and emotions that we will endure. The love and memories go back all of my life. Knowing that God holds each tear and at the same time holds us will sustain and give the strength that will help us to continue.
My prayers and love are with you.

Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results

Make a Donation
in Robert Gates's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Gates

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Robert's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Robert Gates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more