Ronald Charles Gater

Ronald Charles Gater was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on February 24, 1945 to Morris and Betty Gater and departed our world on January 17, 2025.
Ron graduated from Creston High School in 1963 and from Iowa State University in 1967 with a degree in landscape architecture. He worked for the Idaho Dept of Parks where he helped design portions of Ponderosa State Park. In 1969 he moved to Spokane, Washington and worked for a private landscaper. While there, he developed a riverfront project and joined the Jaycees, earning the state award for first year members and represented the state of Iowa at the National Jaycee Convention.
Later Ron returned to Iowa and had several different jobs there, including working for Matura and being county assessor in Ringgold and Mahaska Counties. He was a self taught computer programmer and was self employed working for several counties on a myriad of projects for them. He was also a photographer and had his own business in Creston shooting portraits and weddings. In 1987 Ron moved to Chicago and worked as a programmer and a technical writer.
Outside of his career, Ron had an artist's soul, spending countless hours painting, tying flies, woodworking, and capturing the beauty of the world through his camera lens. His love for nature had him often grabbing his camera and fishing gear and heading out to do what he did best; catching lots of fish and snapping a photo as proof.
On November 30, 1965 Ron married Teena Lynch. Together they raised three children: Eric Charles, Brian David, and Bethany Rochelle, who all inherited Ron's love of learning, nature, and family. They survive him along with their spouses Susan (Eric), Missy (Brian), and Robert (Bethany) as well as his brothers Jeffrey and Bradley Gater. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Betty Gater and his brother David Gater. Ron adored his three grandchildren: Miranda Gater, Mason Morris, and Logan Morris-who he enjoyed spending time with and sharing his love of nature, art, fishing, and good puns.
A lifelong learner, Ron was always eager to discover something new. Whether it was experimenting with a new hobby, perfecting a fishing technique, or learning about history his curiosity knew no bounds. Ron was a believer in the power of education and a natural born teacher. He loved to show others how to improve their fishing skills and often gifted them a rod, reel, and a package of his tied flies to ensure they kept fishing.
In the words of Ron, "Keep your rod down, lure moving, and eyes on the bobber; but don't forget to take in your beautiful surroundings and enjoy the day. If you catch a monster, be sure to take a picture and then release it to let it fight another day."
Two memorial services will be held in Ron's honor. The first will be held on January 31st, in Columbia, Missouri. The family will be hosting an art show displaying Ron's paintings and photography at Orr Street Studios from 5:00-7:00.
The second memorial service will be held in the spring in Creston, Iowa. Details to come, but plan to go fishing at Green Valley Lake.
Arrangements are under the direction of Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory, 12 E. Ash Street, Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 449-4153. Condolences can be shared with the family www.millardfamilychapels.com.