Walter Gates

SIKESTON, Mo. -- James Walter Gates, 51, of Sikeston died Wednesday, May 1, 2002, from injuries received in an automobile accident Jan. 1, 2002.

He was born Oct. 24, 1950, at Matthews, Mo., son of Ernest James and Hazel Nance Gates. He and Jessica Tidwell were married Nov. 22, 1991, in Sikeston.

Gates was employed by city of Sikeston Parks Department 28 years.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Chris Gates of Sikeston; a daughter, Ashley Gates of Sikeston; a stepson, Berren Clark of Haleyville, Ala.; two brothers, Charles Gates of Cabot, Ark., Kenneth Gates of Sikeston; four sisters, Sue Rickman of Kennett, Mo., Melba Edwards of Dexter, Mo., Brenda Wilson of Bloomfield, Mo., Junnie Gentry of Sikeston; and a granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by a daughter and two sisters.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5 to 8 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Frank Breeden officiating. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.