We started school in the first grade at Marengo, IN on September 04, 1945 the day after Labor Day. Gates and I were the two Jacks in our class. We graduated together on May 21 , 1957. Overall Jack was a good guy, smart, athletic and never caused any trouble, just the kind of classmate everyone would like to have.
RIP Gates

Jack was one of the real "good guys". Always had a smile,  a funny story to share, and made you glad you were with him. Of course,  his secret strength was his fantastic wife Melva, son John , Jennifer and the rest of his family. He had 9 lives and enjoyed all of them,  despite the negatives because he lived for the positives. RIP Jack.

As an adult looking back to my childhood and high school years, I cannot help but think of  Jack Gates.  The Gates' home was a second home to me when I was young.  I am very grateful to Jack for bringing his family to Dallas, Texas and to Vinecrest Drive  two times. I have so many great memories from our neighborhood and beyond and I know Jack had a lot to do with that.   I remember a very exciting Barbeque and  a whole roasted pig,  football in the back yard, plenty of swimming and tanning, just to name a few.   I remember Jack being the first person that I knew to somehow appear in the emergency room when I was involved in a motorcycle accident in San Antonio just before we started college.   He was there on business, I think , but to me at the time he was like a guardian angel out of nowhere, and he came to see if I was alright.      Melva, Jeanne, Jenny , John and all of the family, you are in my and my family's thoughts and prayers.   God Bless Jack Gates!

Dearest Jenny, your Dad chose to enjoy life, live in God’s love and devote himself to his dear ones. Your family is abundantly blessed. 
I read Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it” on the 5th anniversary of my Dad’s passing this year. It seems like this is how your beloved father conducted every day. 
May the peace of Christ fill the corners of your heart~and may your dad’s soul be joined with our Heavenly Father.

Uncle Jack was beyond simple Hoosier Hospitality as he and Aunt Melva were extraordinary in Hospitality,  Generosity, and  Trust.  In late 1970's, Uncle Jack allowed me to drive his newly refurbished 1965 Mustang convertible from Corydon,  IN to his home in Dallas. Two friends, Albert B & Steve M accompanied. ( no last names to protect their innocence!)
  We made it, despite some 17 hrs later &
  overheating 2 miles from Uncle Jack's, things only got better. Uncle Jack then gave me keys to an even cooler Cadillac Eldorado convertible for the remainder of our visit & the many escapades that followed. The Hospitality & entire visit was over-the-top, in addition to having
Cousin Joan Miller Kingsley as a "tour guide"! 
Uncle Jack, you will be greatly missed, but your zest for life & your love of family & friends will be remembered always.
Love, 
Hugh Ernstberger 

Melva and family, 

Losing a friend, colleague and drinking buddy of 51 years is not easy. While I always wished we lived closer and could spend more time together, I always felt he was one of my best friends ever.

Our prayers are with you and your family. I know he's already got a tee time for Saturday morning at the best golf course there is.

Dave Beck

I was probably sitting next to Melva when Jack first saw her in 1959. We were across the hall roomies in school and then shared an apartment after.
I attended their wedding and they attended mine. Many visits in San Francisco later as we wondered how the three of us from small towns in Indiana and Kentucky had been so lucky.
It was so obvious that their marriage was blessed with love not just as a couple, but extended family.
My sincere condolences to all of the family.
With happy memories,
Mary Jane aka  Gussie💕💕💕💕

Jeanne: I am sorry your lost your amazing dad. I had met him  a handful of times, and from the sparkle in his eyes, I knew was over-the-top special.  But, I really experienced him, through you. His zest for life (and your mom’s) as seen through you speaks volumes. God bless you, and your family during this sad time off loss. 
Linda, Jason, Maria, and Monica

 I will always remember Papa Jack as warm and welcoming. He lit up a room. He always had a story to tell or some sweet advice. He adored his family and it showed when he spoke about them. He was an extra special person  and I was blessed to know him . Here is my last sweet memory of him. 

OBITUARY

John Elliott Gates

September 7, 1939 – August 22, 2021

Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

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