Kent D.Gates

Jan. 12, 1958 – March 12, 2004

Kent D.Gates, 46, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 12, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, in the company of his loved ones.He had been ill for several months. At the time of his death, Kent was employed at CSI, where he had worked for the past seven years.He had been a truck driver for nearly 30 years and was devoted to his profession. He was born on Jan.12, 1958, in South Bend, Ind., where he had lived for all of his life.

Kent is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 28 years, Donnajean R. (Kulczar) Gates. Their union began on Oct.30, 1976, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew.He leaves behind five children, three daughters and two sons.Donna K.and Nada A. of South Bend, and Jennifer J. (Charles) Cason of Mishawaka, Ind.;and Andrew J. and Ken D. of South Bend. Kent was also the proud grandpa of Anna R.Cason of Mishawaka. Other survivors include his mother, Regina Gates of South Bend.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Gates, in November 1999.

Outside of trucking, Kent loved to work on his home and was a pretty talented handyman.He also had a love of history (especially the Civil War and World War II). He was a proud husband, father and grandfather. Kent was known for his seemingly endless knowledge about many subjects and an unusual sense of humor. He will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, March 16, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.in Kaniewski Funeral Home on Bendix Drive in South Bend.The service will immediately follow, directed by Fr.Mike Heinz of St. Matthews. Any memorial contributions can be made to the Bishop Crowley Education Fund; or to a trust fund established for Kent’s youngest son, Ken D.Gates. The family wishes to thank the sixth floor nursing staff of Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center for their great concern and care of Kent.

Source: Newspapers.com

12/06/2024 EJS