Patrick Francis Gates, loving husband, father, and friend, passed away May 19, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Patrick was born May 8, 1951 in Dallas, Polk County, Oregon to Francis Elmore Gates Jr. and Coral-Louise Raymond Gates.

Patrick owned and operated “Gates Tax Service” for 21 years and worked as a rural carrier at the Joplin, Missouri Post Office until 2002.

Patrick then moved to Colorado, where he worked as a rural carrier at the Broomfield Post Office. Patrick loved delivering mail and getting to know his customers. He was best known for his loving spirit and friendly demeanor. Patrick and his wife, Deonne, were married for 38 years.

Patrick leaves behind his wife, Deonne; his mother, Coral Williams of San Saba; one sister, Kathleen (Louis) Smith of Coweta, OK.; and two brothers, Michael (Geri) Gates of West Linn, OR. and Timothy (Julie) Gates of San Saba; children, William Francis (Kimberly)Gates of Bath, ME., and Pamela (Steven) Trayser of Golden, CO.; grandchildren, Alexander and Hannah Gates; Katharyna and Gabriel Trayser; nieces and nephews; and too many friends to count.

No services are planned. His ashes will be dispersed at a favorite site in the Rocky Mountains near Cripple Creek.