June 22, 1940 — Nov. 4, 2022
Donald Jay Gates passed away Friday, November 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family in St. George, Utah. Donald “Don” was born June 22, 1940, in Escalante, Utah to his wonderful parents Cummings and Golda Gates. Don was the oldest of five children and he loved being the “big” brother. Shortly after he was born, his parents moved to Salt Lake City.
During Don’s early years, he attended Columbus Elementary School, Erring Middle School and would later graduate from South High School class of 1958. Don really enjoyed the summers spent in Escalante with his father and grandfather Hyrum. He would help herd cattle riding his favorite horse, Blackie.
In 1958, Don married Sharon Munson (later divorced). They had three beautiful children: Tamera Lee, Donald Ray, and Linda Dea.
Shortly after his divorce, Don was drafted into the military and proudly served our country from 1964 to 1966. He reported to Fort Douglas and completed basic in Fort Polk, Louisiana. While enlisted, he had many duties. He was a member of the First Infantry Division, Big Red One. “If you have to be a One, be a big RED ONE!” He was assigned to shoot competition with the 1st Infantry Rifle Team where they placed in national events. Later, the Vietnam War overrode those orders and he went to 3rd Company, Battalion Four, which had four squadrons. Don was a squad leader of 13 men. Of those, only three original men were left when he finished his tour. During his deployment, he would send home neat trinkets and gifts to his three children. They looked forward to those packages.
After his Vietnam tour was over and he returned home and met Dawna Williams. The two married in 1966 (later divorced). Dawna had four sons from a previous relationship, Gary, Steven, Kent, and Don. Don and Dawna decided to expand their family and had two boys of their own, Paul Brian and Brett Ryan.
No longer in the Army, Don started working for Bruce Transfer and Storage and joined the Teamsters Union. Real estate piqued Don’s interest so he decided to try it and that is when he and Dawna founded Solar Realty. Having success in sales, he chose to leave Solar Realty and give a shot to the car business. Don was a car enthusiast starting young. His first car was a 1958 Chevy Impala convertible which he let his siblings drive from time to time and boy did they think it was cool. He worked for several different dealerships over the years. After success at Valley Ford, he was asked to move to St. George and help manage Stephen Wade Chevrolet. He loved the auto sales business so much that in 1992, he opened his own lot, Gates Auto Sales. He was extraordinarily successful and ran the company with his two sons Brett and Paul. Don decided it was time to retire and sold the lot in 2012.
On April 7, 1985, Don married the love of his life, Merlene. Merlene had three daughters from her previous relationship, Debbie, Teresa and Robyn. The two shared a beautiful home in St. George. Don & Merlene loved spending time with one another. They were both involved at the Elks Club and held high seats. They had many friends that they would share good times and great laughs with throughout the years. Don passed with his wife by his side.
In retirement, Don loved to play golf any change he could get. He played many courses and was good too. He purchased a lot at the Star Valley Resort where he was a member of Star Valley Golf Association. He would spend his summers BBQing and playing golf with friends he made there.
Don is survived by his wife, Merlene Gates; his brothers and sister, Kenny (Judy) Gates, Roxanne (William) Leonard and Bruce (Debbie) Gates; his children Donald Ray (Terri) Gates, Tamera (Steve) Karsten, Paul (Emily) Gates and Brett (Jessamine) Gates; his stepchildren Gary Healey, Steven (Gloria) Healey, Kent Healey, Don Healey, Debbie O’Brian, Teresa (George) Gallegos, Robyn (Craig) Jackson; his 30 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren and his beloved dog Tiki.
Don is proceeded in death by his parents Cummings and Golda Gates, his sister Sherilyn (Phillip) Gallo, his daughter Linda Gates and son-in-law Cory O’Brien.
A celebration of life will be held at the St. George Elks Lodge #1743, 630 W. 1250 North in St. George, at 10 a.m. on Nov. 20.