Leo E. Gates, age 88, of Greenville, passed away early Saturday morning, October 25, 2014 at his home under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Health Hospice. The son of George M. & Elsie (Stearns) Gates, he was born on October 7, 1926 in Greenville.

On Aug. 12, 1950, in Greenville, he married Doris M. Smith and together they raised four children and enjoyed almost 56 years of marriage until Doris passed away on May 20, 2006. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Retha Mahler; and a great grandson, Ethyn Noto.

After serving in the U.S. Army, Leo returned home and for many years he worked as a miller at the old Farm Bureau Grain Elevator and retired from Petroleum Suppliers. In the past he enjoyed fishing and small game hunting, and in more recent years he spoiled his canine companions, Tinker and Toby. Along with his dogs and his special friend, Patricia Fuller, and her dog Fred, they enjoyed many walks together. Leo was also a lunchtime regular at the Greenville West McDonald’s where he had many friends.

Surviving are his children, Brenda & Douglas Kargel of Hale, Nancy & David Tompsett, Roger & Tami Gates, all of Greenville, and Julie & Marty Lonn of Thompsonville; fifteen grandchildren, Tammy Youmans, John Larsen, Jason Larsen, Michael Tompsett, Traci Tompsett, Charles Gates, Benjamin Gates, Lisa Borden, Zachary Gates, Tamice Gates, Griffin Gates, Martin Lonn Jr., Matthew Lonn, Mikayla Dennis, and Marcus Lonn; twenty-one great grandchildren (with the twenty-second expected soon), Kathryn Youmans, Isabella Larsen, Kailey Spetoskey, Carissa Spetoskey, Olivia Youmans, Paige Tompsett, Megan Tompsett, Patrick Tompsett, Taylor Tompsett, Noah Gates, Brennan Gates, Thalen Doerr, Alyssa Borden, Hailey Borden, Jack Gates, Bailey Gates, Landon Lonn, Lawson Lonn, Payton Dennis, Sawyer Dennis, and Elise Gates; a sister, Janet Beetley of Alma; and three nephews.

Visitation is Wednesday from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville. As Leo requested, no funeral services will be held and burial will take place privately at Forest Hill Cemetery, Stanton. Envelopes for memorial contributions to Spectrum Health Hospice are available at the funeral home.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Leo’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com