Gary Blaine "Gary Bob" Gates

1954 - 2026

Our Lord Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought us to eternal life in His resurrection, and gives us this light through His Gospel message. We remember with thanksgiving the gifts God gave to and through his servant Gary, and those who remember him.

Gary Blaine "Gary Bob" Gates, age 71, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, was called home by his Savior on March 7, 2026.

Born on Oct. 15, 1954, in Gordon, Nebraska, he was the son of Charles Pierce. and Mildred Amy Chubb Gates. He was reborn as a child of God in his Baptism on July 17, 1955, at Hunts Chapel Methodist Church in Cody, Nebraska.

On June 20, 1980, Gary was united in marriage with Andra Jacobsen in Gregory, South Dakota, a union celebrating 45 years. This union was blessed with two sons, Nathaniel and Cameron. He was confirmed into the Lutheran Church in 1981 and was regularly fed with the Body and Blood of Christ during his faithful church attendance.

Gary graduated from Mitchell VoTech as a cook/chef in 1984, and continued the career he started at 14, working at restaurants and institutions. His favorite restaurant work was at the Depot in Norfolk, Nebraska, and the Library restaurant in Yankton, South Dakota. He also prepared Seder suppers for the church and spaghetti fundraisers for the Boy Scouts.
Gary was active in Boy Scouts with his two sons as they worked their way to Eagle Scout status. He was active in the various churches he attended as he followed Andra in her service as a deaconess.

In August 2024, Gary and Andra moved to Mountain Home from Yankton, South Dakota, where he embraced his new community and attended Redeemer Lutheran Church faithfully. He found joy in various pursuits, including binging a good show and watching documentaries, surfing the Internet for bargains and working on projects around the house.

Gary is survived by his wife, Andra; their two sons, Nathaniel Gates of Brookings, South Dakota, and Cameron Gates of Yankton, South Dakota; his brother, Larry Gates of Jarrell, Texas; a nephew, Scott Gates and his wife, Melissa, Georgetown, Texas, and their two daughters; and a lifelong friend, David Schmit.

He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Charles and Mildred Gates, and two unborn children.

A visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home and again from 10 a.m. until the funeral service on Monday, March 16, 2026 at the church.

A funeral service for Gary will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, March 16, 2026, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, officiated by the Rev. Kevin McReynolds.

Graveside services will follow at 11 a.m. March 20, 2026, at Dallas Hillview Cemetery in Dallas, South Dakota, officiated by Pastor Dean Schroeder.

"The Lord gives and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas, or St. John's Lutheran Church in Yankton, South Dakota.

The arrangements are entrusted to Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services in Mountain Home, Arkansas. To leave your condolences and share memories, please visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com