Lafayette Thomas Gates

Saint Albans – Lafayette Thomas Gates a lifelong area resident passed away early Sunday, June 11th, 2023, with his wife, Ellen, at his side.
Born in Georgia on February 25th, 1931, he was the son of the late Roy and Alien (Spear) Gates. LT was 92 years old.
LT grew up in Georgia on the Oakland Station Road and attended the Loomis School, in 1952, he married Shirley King and they had five daughters and two sons. He worked on the family farm until 1965, and then went to General Electric in Burlington where he was a machinist until he retired in 1992. He then continued working for Don Cobb and Butch Blackmore. He was a longtime member of the United Church of Milton. In 2003, he married Ellen Gilpin, who survives him.
In addition to his wife, Ellen, LT is survived by his son, Ricky Gates and his wife, Carol; his five daughters, Sue Moore, Sherry West-Rooks, Fayette (Ghie) Cobarrubias, Gypsy Gates and Tina Bayne, as well as twelve grandchildren and thirteen great- grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a calling hour on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Heald Funeral Home, 87 South Main St., St. Albans followed by a service at 2:00 PM with Pastor Jeff Cornwell officiating.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his youngest son, Robert, who passed in November of 2022.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Camp-Ta-Kum-Ta, P.O. Box 459, South Hero, Vermont 05486.
Honored to be serving the family of Lafayette Gates, is the Heald Funeral Home, where messages of condolence are welcome at www.healdfuneralhome.com.