Larry Joe Gates

Larry Joe “Santa” Gates, 75, of Ashland, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at his residence. Larry was born April 21, 1942 in Ashland, a son of the late Leslie “Bun” and Emma Louise Gabbert Gates. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his loving wife Bette Gleason Gates, his sister Francis Lynn and his brother Bruce Gates.

Joe retired from the City of Ashland’s mass transit department. He also was shop foreman at Byles Auto Parts and Motor Car Supply in Huntington. Joe was a member of the Elks Lodge B.P.O.E #350. He was an avid bowler and was instrumental in the formation of the Elks 350 Sunday night bowling league in which he also served as the Elks State Bowling President and then as President of the National Elks Bowling Association. He loved UK sports, fishing and was a KY Colonel.

Survivors include his daughters Margaret (Charles) McDonald of Martinsburg, WV, Michelle (John) Fleming of Ironton, OH, son Mike (Rayetta) Parker of Lloyd, KY, William Gates of Martinsburg, WV, grandchildren Whitney, Laura, Megan, Alivia, Reid, Kristin, Matthew, Colby and Michael, great-grandchildren Lainey, Aubrey, Jaelyn, Bryce, Raydan, Connor, Caden, Ella, Sawyer and Ariana, sister-in-law Debbie Gates, nephew Bryan, niece Emily and very good friends Barb and Gary Preston.

A memorial celebration will be held from 6-8pm Friday evening at the Steen Funeral Home Central Avenue Chapel with an Elks service to begin at 7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to The Elks Holiday Meal Fund, 900 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101 or Ashland High School Class of 1960 Education Fund, c/o the Paramount Arts Center, 1300 Winchester Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101.

 Online condolence to www.steenfuneralhome.com  

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