Thomas "Gator" Gates

Thomas "Gator" Gates, 75, of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Mitchell. Born in Mitchell to Cliff and Rosemond (Callie) Gates, he grew up in the countryside outside town, where he spent his childhood exploring the outdoors with his brother and sisters, surrounded by animals and the open South Dakota landscape that nurtured his lifelong love of nature.

After graduating from Mitchell Senior High School, Thomas began his career as a vending machine operator. With determination and an entrepreneurial spirit, he founded his own successful vending and amusement business, building it from the ground up through hard work and vision. On June 12, 1971, he married Rita Agnitsch in Mitchell, a love that began at the roller rink. Together they raised three children—Tara, Jason, and Josh—and their family grew to include seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life.

Known warmly throughout the community as "Gator," he was an avid outdoorsman who found peace hunting in Murdo and West River, fishing, and tending his garden. He collected coins, restored antiques, and had a remarkable talent for fixing nearly anything with his hands, a skill he shared generously with family and friends. His home was often filled with the music of Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Bob Seger, but nothing brought him greater joy than making his grandchildren smile and being surrounded by loved ones. His sense of humor, ready jokes, and generous spirit endeared him to all who knew him.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Rita; his children, Tara Gates of Kansas City, Missouri, Jason Gates of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Josh Gates of Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and his siblings, David Gates of Rapid City, Rita Conklin of Des Moines, Iowa, and Diane Gates of Rapid City. He was preceded in death by his parents.