THOMAS GATES JR.
In loving memory of our father, Tom Gates Jr. who passed away on March 1st 2023.
He was the devoted husband of Cheryl, who was at his side, holding his hand, at his passing.
He was the proud father of three sons, Ty, Doug and Lee, and amazing grandfather of Kara, Brian, Courtney, Laken, Brennan, George and Ethan, beloved brother and to Dick, his wife Elizabeth and niece and nephew, Annie and Johnny.
One of the kindest souls on this planet, he was a giving man who worked tirelessly and gave selflessly of himself to provide for his family. He faced every challenge in life with quiet determination and admirable strength and courage.
After graduating from River High School, he joined the U.S. Army and served his country. He met and married the love of his life, our mom, Cheryl on June 1st 1962. Dad went on to work for the State of Ohio, Ormet and The Home for Aged Men, where he eventually retired.
He was self taught in many of the trades, including Electrical, HVAC, Refrigeration, Carpentry, Plumbing and many others, and used this knowledge and skills to provide for his family and countless others in the community with his own Gates Refrigeration Company.
Dad will always be known for his selfless devotion to his family and his amazingly dry and sarcastic sense of humor, which is proudly carried on by his sons and grandchildren.
He had a lifelong interest and love of early American history and Native American cultures. He traveled throughout the United States visiting historical locations and acquired an extensive library of historical literature. He also took great pride in his antique pickup trucks and loved driving to car shows and in parades, usually with one of his grandkids by his side.
Our father was a true role model who we will always look up to. He is now at peace, but will live forever in our hearts.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 5th from 2pm to 6pm at Grisell Funeral Home, 125 Clarington Dr., Clarington, OH where Funeral Services will be held Monday, March 6th at 11am.
Internment at Clarington Cemetery, Clarington.
Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com