John Darren Gates, 56, of Mexico, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at his home.

A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, at New Hope Church. Burial with military honors will follow in New Hope Cemetery.

John was born on September 29, 1967, in Mexico, the son of John Junior and Velma Ruth (Dollens) Gates.

He was a 1985 graduate of Mexico High School and joined the Navy Reserve in 1986. John was a Navy Fireman Apprentice stationed aboard the submarine tender USS Hunley at Holy Loch, Scotland. He loved to tinker with many RC toys and enjoyed fireworks and explosives.

John is survived by his brother, Kenneth Gates of Mexico; sister, Sharon (Shane) McConniel of Sebring, Florida; sister-in-law, Debbie Gates of Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Velma "Ruth" Gates; father, John Junior Gates; three brothers, Donald Gates, Ronald Gates and Dennis Gates; three nephews; one niece; and one great-niece.