Edward Gates

SIKESTON - Edward Brice Gates, 81, died at 10:05 a.m. May 3, 2003, at his home.

Born Sept. 22, 1921, in Peach Orchard, Ark., son of the late John William David and Margarete Whitson of Gates, he retired as a terminal manager for Agrico Chemical Co. and was a seaman 2nd class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of North Acres General Baptist Church in Sikeston, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school superintendent.

On June 9, 1940, in Peach Orchard, Ark., he married Marguerite I. Tucker who preceded him in death on Sept. 25, 1998.

He and Ramona Williams were married Jan. 6, 2001, in Sikeston and she survives of the home.

Other survivors include: two sons, Edward D. Gates of Benton and Kevin E. Gates of Carlyle, Ill.; three daughters, Nellene A. Adkins of Memphis, Tenn., Patricia J. Comstock of Sikeston and M. Carlette Von Burg of Carlyle; two stepsons, Larry Barger of California and Mike Barger of Louisiana; one stepdaughter, Phyllis Worley of Searcy, Ark.; one brother, Lee Roy Gates of El Mirage, Ariz.; two sisters, Iva Mason and Virginia Lowery of Knoble, Ark.; and 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Four brothers, Ira Gates, Elvis Gates, Melvin "Dago" Gates and Paul Gates, also preceded him in death.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, where services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday. The Rev. James Trotter, former pastor of North Acres General Baptist Church, will officiate.

Graveside services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Pirtle Cemetery in Peach Orchard with the Rev. Melton Shelton officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Jim Adkins, Andy Comstock, Rod Comstock, Chris Reynolds, Bob Gates and David Von Burg.

Honorary pallbearers will be: J.L. Gates, Bud Gates, Warren Harber, Bud Dock, Jerry Lippert, Bill Hupp, Lee Comstock, Brent Gates and Bud Miller.