Gerald "Gus" E. Gates

Gerald E. "Gus" Gates, 83, of Alexandria, MO, passed away Monday, March 23, 2020, at his home surrounded by family and loved ones.

Gus was born January 7, 1937, in Keokuk, to Frank "Manny" and Cecil M. (Hammel) Gates. He was united in marriage to Deloris Kaye Stoneburner. They divorced and he later married Frances A. O'Brien until she preceded him in death in January of 2019.

Gus graduated from Kahoka High School and entered the United States Army. He was a member of the Army Aviation as a librarian with the helicopter flight school. After an honorable discharge from the military, Gus lived in a variety of places in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota and finally Wisconsin where he and Frankie bought a 160-acre hog farm with Frankie's sister Maylene and her husband Wally Trudeau. Since he was 16 years old Gus worked as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the Operator Engineers Union for over 50 years. He enjoyed square dancing, hunting, ice fishing, and playing cards such as Euchre, Cribbage, and Tonk. Gus enjoyed watching football. He especially enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers and any team playing against the Denver Broncos. He moved back to Alexandria in 2014 where he could enjoy playing cards, fishing, roaming around in his side-by-side with his lifelong friend Marilyn Land (Wright).

Gus is survived by 2 children; Tim Gates of Alexandria, MO, Terri Brewer of Loveland, CO, one step-daughter; Shannon (Vern) Hills of Centuria, WI, 10 grandchildren, 2 brothers; Ronald "Duckie" (Diane) Gates of Alexandria, MO, and Dennis (Chris) Gates of Keokuk, IA, and his faithful companions; dog "Smokie" and his black cat "Shorty".

Gus was preceded in death by his son; Steven Gerald Gates on December 4, 2018, his parents, 3 brothers; Bounce Gates, Jake Gates, and Eddie Gates and one sister.

Per Gus request, he will be cremated and services will be held at a later date.

Tributes and condolences may be entered at dejongsfuneralhomes.com.