Lindle Gates

Lindle Gates, age 79, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, while surrounded by his loving family. In life, Lindle had many “callings:” he was a loving husband of almost 57 years, a devoted father of five, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather of 13, a thoughtful brother, a dutiful son, a great friend, and an avid fisherman. But perhaps his greatest “calling” of all was to be a faithful and devout Christian.

For most of his life, Lindle preached the gospel and taught others about Christ and the Bible. He loved Christian songs and would sing them all the time. The songs strengthened him. Even in his final moments, when his earthly body was weakened by disease—and once again proving that death has no sting—Lindle listened to his son, William, sing a favorite hymn and was somehow able to calm his rapid and “rattled” breathing, open his eyes, intently look around the room at his family, close his eyes for the last time, and peacefully go to Heaven. The hymn was entitled “I’m following Jesus,” and its lyrics follow:

I'm following Jesus, One step at a time; I live for the moment, In His Love divine. Why think of tomorrow, Just live for today; I'm following Jesus, Each step of the way. The pathway is narrow, But He leads me on; I walk in His shadow, My fears are all gone. My spirit grows stronger, Each moment, each day, For Jesus is leading Each step of the way.

In life and in death, Lindle followed Jesus.

Lindle was born on January 16, 1941, in Muhlenberg, Kentucky. He was the seventh of 19 children born to the same mother and father. He married his beautiful wife, Judy, on December 28, 1963. Soon after, he served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Hawaii, where his first child (Tracy) was born. After fulfilling his military duty with honor, his family moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and began attending church at the Branham Tabernacle. In addition to being an evangelist preacher, he worked at (and retired from) International Harvester in Louisville, Kentucky. To those who knew him well, Lindle will always be fondly remembered for his good nature, quick wit, and utter selflessness. He literally would give (and has given) a stranger the shirt off his back, food from his table, and money from his pocket. Lindle never wanted—nor expected—anything in return, and when lean times hit him, he trusted that the Lord would provide a way (and the Lord always did). His faith was unwavering.

Lindle is survived by his loving wife, Judy Ann (Willis) Gates, his five children: Tracy Lynn (Elizabeth) Gates of Corydon, Ind.; Stacy Annette Howard of Clarksville, Ind.; William David (Laura) Gates of Indianapolis; Charity Renee Gates of Jeffersonville, Ind.; and Crystal Gates (Damon) Rowe of Floyds Knobs, Ind.; his nine grandchildren: Rachel (Charles) Keller, Daniel (Candace) Keller, Autumn Gates, Charlotte “Charlie” Gates, Levi Gates, Brianna Rowe, Susanna Gates, Diana Bautista, and Karissa Rowe; and his four great-grandchildren: McKenzie “Kenzie” Keller, Ethan Turner, Logan Turner, and Landon Keller. Survivors also include his brothers/brother-in-law: Jewell Gates, Gary Gates, Darell Gates, Tim Gates, and Pierce Willis; and sisters/sister-in-law: Janice Pate, Mary Turpin, Murel Bivins, Eula Smith, Anna Petrakovitz, Jean Rickard, and Mary Winders; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lindle is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Mable Haline (Gary) Gates, his siblings/siblings-in-law: JC Gates, James Gates, Edna Wells, Doris Keasel, Hattie Baldwin, Virginia Hardin, Mary Evelene, Betty Lene, Wanda Willis, and Hattie Caldwell, and his favorite uncle, Johnny “Leo” Gary.

Funeral services will be held at Kraft Funeral Home at 2776 Charlestown Road in New Albany, Indiana, on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 3:00 p.m., with Reverend Roger C. Collins officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m.

Internment will follow at Kraft Graceland Cemetery in New Albany, Indiana.