Johnny R. Gates

Johnny R. Gates, 56, of Springfield, formerly of Pleasant Hill, died on October 10, 2008 at St. John's Hospice. Johnny was born October 27, 1951 in Louisiana, MO, the son of John Luther and Virgia Emra Prater Gates. He married Kathy Ator of Pittsfield on April 21, 1979. Johnny was a member of Church of Christ in Mozier. He also belonged to American Legion Post 32 and VFW #755. Johnny received Mechanics Diesel Training while serving in the Army and he was later employed by Superior Walls. Johnny was an outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and will be remembered as a fun-loving, generous, family man. Johnny was preceded in death by his father and sister, Janet K. Smith. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Gates of Springfield; his daughters, Dawn Michelle (husband, David-Paul) Allen of Springfield, formerly of Ft. Myers, FL, and Jackie Marie (husband, Bryan) Nicoll of Springfield; two grandchildren, Hunter Ray and Braden Nicoll; his mother, Virgia Gates of Pleasant Hill; in addition to several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephew, including Richie "RJ" (wife, Meri) Jones of Cantral. Family will receive friends from 4:00-6:45 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A funeral ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial contributions may be made to Mozier Church of Christ, Hwy. 96, Mozier, IL 62070, or to St. John's Hospice, 800 E. Carpenter St., Springfield, IL 62702, or American Cancer Society, 687 Linton Ave., Springfield, IL 62703.