Robert Henderson "Bob" Gates

1939 - 2025

Robert Henderson Gates was born on November 2, 1939 to Henry Huffaker Gates and Julia Thompson Gates in Sherman (Grayson County), Texas. He lived in Sherman for the first 10 years of his life. In August 1949 his parents divorced, and he moved to Kerrville with his mother and sister.

The moved to the Texas Hill Country transformed his life. He was happy here from the day he arrived until his death on November 26, 2025. He was educated in the Kerrville Public School System and graduated from Tivy High School in 1958. He loved his school and made many friends who remained involved with him throughout his life. He pursued his formal education at Austin College (Sherman), Schreiner Institute (Kerrville), and the University of Texas at Austin.

In the fall 1964 he moved to Houston to work for Foley's Department Store. He enjoyed his years there and built a successful career, rising to the level of Division Manager of Building and Services. After 10 years in Houston, he decided to return to the Hill Country that he loved.

In December 1974, he opened the Main Book Shop in Fredericksburg. His love of retail merchandising was reflected in his shop. His business grew and he merged with the Main Book Shop of Kerrville, which was owned by his mother and stepfather. In 1979, they relocated the Fredericksburg shop to the Schandau Building on Main Street, where one side was dedicated to books and the smaller side contained an art gallery featuring local artists. Both ventures were very successful.

In 1989, he sold his Fredericksburg store and transformed his career by joining Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church staff as a Lay Pastoral Assistant. Bob was highly devoted to his church. He remained member and actively involved in parish ministry and in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.

Bob was proceeded in death by his father Henry H. Gates, his stepfather Colonel Marvin F. Stalder, his mother Julia T. Stalder, and his sister Betty Gates-Elston. He is survived by his half-brother, Dr. Stephen I. Gates of Lubbock, two nephews, and four nieces.

Services for Bob will be at 2 PM on Friday January 9, 2026 at the Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg. Interment will follow the service at the Saint Barnabas Colombarium. There will be a reception for family and friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to the Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Schaetter Funeral Home