Gary Blaine "Gary Bob" Gates

Gary Blaine “Gary Bob” Gates, age 71, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, was called home by his Savior on March 7, 2026. Born on October 15, 1954, in Gordon, Nebraska, he was the son of Charles Pierce and Mildred Amy Chubb Gates. Reborn as a child of God in his baptism on July 17, 1955, at Hunts Chapel Methodist Church in Cody, Nebraska, Gary was confirmed into the Lutheran Church in 1981 and remained a faithful communicant throughout his life.

On June 20, 1980, Gary was united in marriage with Andra Jacobsen in Gregory, South Dakota. Their marriage of 45 years was blessed with two sons, Nathaniel and Cameron. A skilled cook and chef, Gary graduated from Mitchell VoTech in 1984 and pursued a career he had begun at age 14. He especially cherished his time working at the Depot in Norfolk, Nebraska, and the Library restaurant in Yankton, South Dakota. He also prepared Seder suppers for his church and spaghetti fundraisers for the Boy Scouts. Deeply involved in Scouting, he guided both of his sons as they achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Gary supported the various churches he attended as he accompanied Andra in her service as a deaconess.

In August 2024, Gary and Andra moved to Mountain Home, where he quickly embraced his new community and attended Redeemer Lutheran Church with quiet devotion. He found simple pleasures in watching documentaries and favorite shows, searching the Internet for bargains, and working on projects around the house.

Gary is survived by his wife, Andra; their sons, Nathaniel Gates of Brookings, South Dakota, and Cameron Gates of Yankton, South Dakota; his brother, Larry Gates of Jarrell, Texas; his nephew, Scott Gates and wife Melissa of Georgetown, Texas, and their two daughters; and his lifelong friend, David Schmit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mildred Gates, and two unborn children.