Theodore "Ted" Gates, age 85, of Celina, passed away Thursday, May 5, 2016, at the Colonial Nursing Center in Rockford.

Born on February 2, 1931 in Calvin, Virginia, Ted was
the son of the late Polly Herron and Theodore Gates. He was raised by his grandparents. Ted and Marilyn "Joice" Schmidt were wed on March 29, 1953, and they recently celebrated 63 years of marriage. 

Joice survives, along with 4 children: Rick (Linda) Gates, Vickie (Roger) Black, and Kim (Rhonda Warren) Gates, all of Celina, and Danny Gates of St. Marys, 16 grandchildren: April, Brandi, Brian, Jason, Nathan, Jessica, Amanda, Matthew, Joshua, Tosha, Kyle, Tiffany, Teddy, Shelby, Makayla and Teka, 31 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers: Frank and Melvin, a half-brother: Jimmy, a half-sister: Carol, and a special niece & nephew: Paula Jean Ybarra and Kevin Walls.          

He was preceded in death by a son: Michael Gates in 1994, a granddaughter: Melissa Ann Gates, a daughter-in-law: Nicla Gates, a sister, and two brothers.

For over 50 years, Ted was the owner/operator of Gates Tree Service in Celina. He served in the National Guard, and was a member of Celina Church of the Nazarene.

An animal lover, Ted enjoyed riding horses, and feeding the cats at the Mercer County Fairgrounds. He rescued nests of baby squirrels from trees he had cut. He also rescued cats, and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels at his home. Ted had two special pets - his cat, Sparky and dog, April.

Funeral Services will be held at the Celina Church of the Nazarene, at 3:30 P.M. on Monday, May 9, with  Pastor Chris Riffle officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.

Calling Hours are from 1:00 P.M. until time of services on Monday, at the Nazarene Church at 900 Fairground Rd. in Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.