Mark Henry Gates, 61, of Battle Creek, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017 after a long battle with medical issues at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo. He was born October 22, 1955 in Kalamazoo, the son of Joseph Gates, Sr. and Patricia Martin. Mark served in the US Army and entered in to the 82nd Airborne 3.325 in 1973. After Mark’s honorable discharge from the US Army, he continued to serve in the Reserves. Mark was blessed with three children, Michelle, Samantha, and Christopher Gates. He was a member of the Outriders Motorcycle Club for many years. Mark was a loving father and husband and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Karen Gates; his three children; father, Joseph (Janet) Gates, Sr; mother, Patricia (Emmett) Martin; brothers, Jospeh (Olivia) Gates and Michael (Ginger) Gates; half-brother, Steven (Karen) Gates; several grandchildren; and a great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his brother, David Gates and his nephew, Joseph Gates IV.
A committal service will be held Tuesday at 1:30 PM at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Mark’s family will be holding a memorial service celebrating Mark’s life at a later date at the club house on Reed Street.