Obituary of Lewis Gates

MARION, Va.: LEWIS EVERETTE GATES, age 91 of Marion, Va., died Tuesday, September 29, 2015. He was born August 13, 1924 in Chatham Hill, Va. Lewis entered the U.S. Army at the end of WW II. During the Berlin Air-Lift in 1949 he met and later married Hildegard Emma Raasch, a native of Berlin, Germany. They shared a travel-filled life for the next 15 years. He retired with 20 years of military service in 1966 and settled in Marion where he finished his career as a baker at Food City. Lewis loved his farm and his animals and being an avid gardener, he preferred spending his days outside. Between his cattle and raising tobacco, Lewis was a busy man. He farmed into his early 80's and was an enthusiastic walker at the Wellness Center. He was a member of the Francis Marion VFW Post #4667 and a member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church. His grandchildren remember their Opa as a quiet and kind man. Lewis is predeceased by his wife, Hildegard Raasch Gates; parents, James Edward Gates and Lizzie Remines Gates; and all 11 of his siblings. He is survived by his son, Dr. James Gates and wife, Beth of Marion, Va.; daughter, Caroline Gates-Groves and husband, Michael Groves of Brenham, Texas; as well as six grandchildren, Emily Gates Prucha and husband, Radek, Dr. Justin Gates and wife, McKenzie, and Emma Kathryn, Harper, Carson Anne and Campbell Groves; great-grandchildren, Anna Lee, Oliver and Samuel Prucha and Alexander and Kingston Gates; and many nieces and nephews. The last years of his life were spent with care at home and later at Francis Marion Manor, We are especially grateful for all the neighbors, friends and caregivers who watched over him as he got older with special thanks to Ann Ball and her family. Her devotion made his last few years more enjoyable. Also we want to thank the second floor staff at Francis Marion Manor for three years of compassionate care. Funeral Services will be conducted Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church with the Reverend Andrew Bansemer officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery with Military Rites conducted by Francis Marion VFW Post #4667. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 222 West Main Street, Marion, Va. 24354, or to the Smyth County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1124, Marion, Va. 24354 or to the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the Gates Family.