(From Buchanan Funeral Home)
December 5, 1936 - July 24, 2026
Donald (Don) Gates, of Aurora, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by faith, hard work, and a heart for bringing joy to others. He was a faithful member of Faith & Hope Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. He dedicated 30 years of service to John Deere before retiring, earning the respect of those around him through his strong work ethic, reliability, and quiet dedication.
If you knew Don, chances are he made you laugh. He had a quick wit, a joke for every occasion, and an uncanny ability to find humor in everyday life. Many mornings were spent sharing coffee with friends, where stories were told, laughter came easily, and no one was safe from one of Don's legendary pranks. Whether he was wearing his shoes on the wrong feet and wandering into a shoe store to complain that his feet hurt, pulling into a drive-thru wearing dark glasses and asking for a Braille menu, or convincing the love of his life, Shirley, to dress up for a "fancy dinner" only to surprise her with Subway, Don delighted in making people laugh. His greatest joy wasn't the prank itself—it was seeing the smile it brought to someone else's face.
Above all, Don loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, Sherry and Ron Moreno of Republic, Missouri; Don and Christy Gates of Waterloo, Iowa; Dan and Meika Gates of Bentonville, Arkansas; Todd and Kristen Gates of Tunas, Missouri; and Becky Adams of Gilman, Iowa. He also leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren, 15 beloved great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Joann, Barbara, and Susie; one brother, Ronnie and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twelve siblings, Clifford Jr., Evelyn Lavone, Laverne, Betty, G.W., Kenneth, Sally, Larry, Dennis, John, Robert and Gary.
Don's legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love for his family, hard work, kindness, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest day. His family hopes that when you remember him, you'll smile, share a story, enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend, or find a little humor in an ordinary day—just as Don always did. While he will be deeply missed, his laughter, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.
Donald (Don) Gates, of Aurora, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by faith, hard work, and a heart for bringing joy to others. He was a faithful member of Faith & Hope Free Will Baptist Church, where his faith remained a guiding force throughout his life. He dedicated 30 years of service to John Deere before retiring, earning the respect of those around him through his strong work ethic, reliability, and quiet dedication.
If you knew Don, chances are he made you laugh. He had a quick wit, a joke for every occasion, and an uncanny ability to find humor in everyday life. Many mornings were spent sharing coffee with friends, where stories were told, laughter came easily, and no one was safe from one of Don's legendary pranks. Whether he was wearing his shoes on the wrong feet and wandering into a shoe store to complain that his feet hurt, pulling into a drive-thru wearing dark glasses and asking for a Braille menu, or convincing the love of his life, Shirley, to dress up for a "fancy dinner" only to surprise her with Subway, Don delighted in making people laugh. His greatest joy wasn't the prank itself—it was seeing the smile it brought to someone else's face.
Above all, Don loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, Sherry and Ron Moreno of Republic, Missouri; Don and Christy Gates of Waterloo, Iowa; Dan and Meika Gates of Bentonville, Arkansas; Todd and Kristen Gates of Tunas, Missouri; and Becky Adams of Gilman, Iowa. He also leaves behind 10 cherished grandchildren, 15 beloved great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, three sisters, Joann, Barbara, and Susie; one brother, Ronnie and many extended family members and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and twelve siblings, Clifford Jr., Evelyn Lavone, Laverne, Betty, G.W., Kenneth, Sally, Larry, Dennis, John, Robert and Gary.
Don's legacy is one of unwavering faith, unconditional love for his family, hard work, kindness, and a sense of humor that could brighten even the hardest day. His family hopes that when you remember him, you'll smile, share a story, enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend, or find a little humor in an ordinary day—just as Don always did. While he will be deeply missed, his laughter, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.
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