Daniel Gates

Daniel Gates, 75, passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 at his home in Missoula, Montana. 

Daniel Eugene Gates, son of Jack and Virginia (Steinmetz) Gates, was born March 23, 1949 in Evansville, Indiana. He attended school in Evansville and graduated from F. J. Reitz High School in 1967. He continued his education at Purdue University and later transferred to the University of Southern Indiana, obtaining his bachelor’s degree in psychology. He then went on to earn his master’s degree, also in psychology, from the University of Evansville. Dan met Dorothy Owens in high school, and the couple was married on January 24, 1970. They adopted their daughter, Kristin, from South Korea in 1988. The couple later amicably separated in 2010.

Dan worked as a machinist with experience in gear cutting for most of his career and retired from Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises in 2006. He enjoyed racing dirt bikes in his younger years. Other hobbies included studying Civil War history and chess. Dan was the kind of person who devoted himself entirely to an interest or passion and always enjoyed learning something new. After living most of his life in Evansville, Indiana, he moved to Missoula, Montana in 2020 to be closer to his daughter and ex-wife. He enjoyed the mountain scenery immensely and most recently took joy in playing with his infant granddaughter Sydney.

Dan is survived by his daughter, Kristin (Justin) Goss; granddaughter, Sydney Goss; brothers, Dennis (Shelley) Gates; Tom Gates; ex-wife and caretaker, Dorothy Gates; nieces, nephews, and other extended family. 

Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Virginia Gates, and brother, Sam Gates. A memorial gathering will take place in Evansville, Indiana at a later date.