DEL NORTE— Del Norte resident Martin Herschel Gates, 89, passed away at his home on April 22, 2017 with his family by his side and under the care of Hospice.
Martin was born Feb. 21, 1928 in Salida, Colo., the son of Herschel Gates and Emma Gates. Later, brothers Mell and Dell joined the family while they lived in Saguache, Colo.
In 1936 the family moved to Summitville, Colo. and while there the boys formed pleasant long lasting memories and were taught strong family values that have benefited them down to this day. While in Summitville the boys attended a one room school. When it came time for Martin to attend high school the family moved to Del Norte in 1942 where they opened up the Gates Machine Shop. Martin graduated from Del Norte High School in 1947.
While in high school Martin taught himself how to operate a dragline thus starting the Gates family in the excavation business. On Nov. 11, 1953, Martin and Lucille Hines were united in marriage in Center, Colo. To this union were born two sons Marvin and Steven. Martin was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 25, 1952 thus starting his love of Bible reading and talking to others about it. He also enjoyed traveling, spending time in the mountains and talking about his days at Summitville.
Lucille passed away Dec. 19, 2004. Later, he married his second wife Ethel who survives him. They moved to Montrose, Colo. where he lived until the last few months of his life.
Survivors are his wife Ethel of Montrose, sons Marvin (Diana) Gates and Steven (Brenda) Gates all of Del Norte, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Mell (Barbara) Gates, Dell (Lola) Gates all of Del Norte as well as numerous nephews and nieces, one cousin Barbara Clark of Denver and many friends.
Martin is preceded in death by his parents Herschel and Emma and one grandson Kevin.
Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service was held on Saturday, April 29, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Center.
Arrangements are in care of Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista. To leave online condolences for Martin’s family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.