Craig Michael Gates

Born November 1958, in Illinois, Craig was the son of the late Patricia Ann Osborne. He was also preceded in death by his brother.

Craig built a distinguished career as a Captain for UPS Airlines. An avid boater and fisherman, he was happiest when at home, in the air or on the water. Craig also enjoyed sports, especially cheering for the Louisville Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. A devoted Catholic, Craig was a member of Our Lady of Angels Church in Bradenton, Florida and Immaculate Conception Church in LaGrange, Kentucky. Above all, he was the definition of a family man. Craig shared and cherished 45 years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Jola Potycki, whom he met in Des Moines, Iowa. His love for his family was evident in the time he treasured and the joy he found in his children, but especially his grandchildren as their PAPA.

Left to cherish the memory of Craig are his wife, Jola P. Gates; children, Brandi Molter (Joe) and Chad Gates (Rachel); four grandchildren, Sloane, Kent, Cameron, and Audrey; five sisters; extended family; and numerous friends.

A funeral Mass for Craig will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church, 502 N 5th Ave, LaGrange, Kentucky at 11am with burial to follow in Calvary Cemetery in Louisville. Visitation will take place on Thursday evening at Heady-Radcliffe Funeral Home, 706 W Jefferson St, LaGrange, Kentucky from 4pm-8pm with a prayer service and Rosary at 7pm.

Memorial donations can be directed to Catholic Charities and Moffitt Cancer Center in Craig’s memory.

The next time you are in the air or on the boat casting a line, be sure to take a moment to remember Craig with a smile!