Joseph Gates, age 76 of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Crown Care Rehab Center in Harrisonville, Missouri.
Joe was born on October 27th, 1946, the youngest of four siblings. As the youngest, and only boy, he was loved and a tad bit spoiled as a child, especially by his older sisters. Even his Grandfather took part in the special treatment, letting Joseph drive on country back roads, at the tender age of 5 years old.
After graduating from Clinton High School in 1964 he became a Machinist in Lake City. He moved onto becoming a small farmer outside of Clinton. Then earned his brokers license to own and operate the Century 21 Real Estate Company for a number of years. In his later years he found that owning his own plumbing business was his calling. Joe always enjoyed helping people out when they were in need. When you called Joe the Plumber, you knew the job would get done. Throughout all the long hours, early mornings, late nights and weekends, there was no such thing as taking a day off.
Family and friends were Joe’s greatest love! He enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors, hunting and fishing, with his family and especially his grandkids. He was a loving Father, Brother, Grandfather and Friend. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and those that started off as customers but eventually became friends.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Chesley and Mary (Jageman) Gates, 2 sisters: Ann Long and Frances Harvey. Wife Winona Gates and daughter, Kristina Phillips.
Survivors include his sister Sally (Gates) Dorrell and husband John. Three children; Martin Gates and wife Lynne. Pam (Gates) Shaw and husband Bob. Jennifer (Gates) Bowman and husband Kevin. 10 Grandchildren; Derek, Taylor, Martin Jr., Logan (& wife Monica), Hannah, Zoe, Kelsey, Michaela (& husband Jhunne) Galimba, Luke (& wife Katy) Daugherty, Jordan Phillips. 7 Great grandchildren; Noah, Lily, Mia, Molly, Tristan, Brooke and Dakota. Nephew; Ken Long. Nieces; Linda (& husband Terry) Wallace, Amy (& husband JR) Scranton and Kelly (Dorrell) Adams. And his longtime friend; Cindy Williams.
A Celebration of Life was held May 10, 2023 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Rev. David Mills officiating. Special music included “Hey Joe and Go Rest High.” Inurnment will be in Drakes Chapel Cemetery, Clinton, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
