Dennis Gates

Dennis Gates, age 72, of Claypool, Arizona passed away on November 13, 2022, at Banner Gateway Medical Center.

Dennis was born January 1, 1950, in Globe, Arizona to William Franklin Gates and Beth (Beers) Gates. He was raised in the Globe-Miami area, Phoenix, Cottonwood, and Arkansas. One of his most cherished memories was selling a newspaper to recruit Elvis Presley at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas.

Racing was a passion with Dennis. He raced in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas. In 2016 he realized his lifelong dream when he raced the summer season in the Midwest and made many new friends and memories. He was an avid hunter and fisherman in addition to racing.

Dennis was a truck driver, both long haul and local. He gave several nephews training and they followed in his footsteps. There wasn’t a truck he couldn’t drive. In 1994 he went to work for Midstate Pipe and Supply. He retired in 2015 as General Manager only to return in 2017 until it burned down in 2018.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, two daughters; Tanya and Katrina, two sisters; Dolly Richardson and Debbie Carco, two grandsons; Jacob and Chance, and brother-in-law; Herman Graham.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 39 years, Victoria of Claypool, Arizona. Daughters; Shannon Bell and Stephanie Blake of Snowflake, Arizona, Tisa Sawin of Belleville, Illinois, bonus children; Timothy Meccia and Cindi Meccia of Claypool, Arizona, sisters; Cheryl Gates of Globe, Arizona, Cora Graham of Mesa, Arizona, Linda Gates of Snowflake, Arizona, seven grandchildren, six Hendersons, bonus grandchildren, and three great grandsons. Also, numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly as if they were his own.

A memorial service will be held at the Living Waters Church sometime in December.

Arrangements were cared for by Lamont Mortuary of Globe located at 328 S. Hill St., Globe, AZ. (928) 425-5491