John Elliot Gates, 86, of Clarksburg, passed away on October 24, 2017. He was born on February 1, 1931, in Kansas to Leroy and Ida Gates. John worked as an Aeronautics teacher at Sacramento City College for 50 years. He proudly served in the United States Army. He enjoyed piloting and flying his planes, loved his cat Oreo, and was an excellent mechanic. He also enjoyed rebuilding airplanes. He was a member of the royal order of the Moose. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dora Gates; daughter, Jennifer Peterson; son, Paul (Jan) Gates; grandchildren, Justine Gates, Jamie Gates, Christian Gates, Bryan Peterson, and Jessica Peterson; great-granddaughter, Jaymee Peterson. He was preceded in death by his parents. A chapel service will be held on Tuesday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m at Harry A. Nauman & Son Chapel. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 1:00 p.m at Orland Cemetery, in Orland, California. Arrangements under the direction of Harry A. Nauman & Son, Sacramento, CA.
