Charles Alva Gates

Charles Alva Gates Obituary 

Charles Alva Gates, 93 years old, born June 17,1932 in Alysworth, Oklahoma resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on July 19, 2025. 

Charles is preceded in death by his angel wife, Patricia Sue Gates of 61 years. Charles and Patricia are survived by their 4 children, Charles Alva Gates. Jr.; wife Colleen, Thomas Gene Gates; wife Rhonda, Terri Lynn Gates Greene; husband Gary and John Arthur Gates; wife Diana. Charles also is preceded in death by his mother, Alma Ann Watts and Warren Gates, his 2 sisters Elsie Kaul, Nora Barnes, and 3 brothers Newton Gates, Raymond Gates and Harvey Gates. He is survived by his youngest brother, Martin Gates (91 years old) of Houston, Texas. Charles was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 30 great-great grandchildren. He loved his many nephews and nieces as well as the spouses above mentioned. For 35 years Charles was a resident of Midwest City, Oklahoma, later relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada for 30 years.

Charles was a retired Section Chief of a major communications corporation in Oklahoma City, OK for 29 years. Charles was affiliated with the Pioneers and Junior Achievement, receiving numerous awards/honors. He went to Capitol Hill High School and completed his G.E.D. 

Charles was a U.S. Navy Seaman/Gunner and served proudly during the Korean War on the USS St. Paul CA-73 during 1950-1953. Charles was awarded the Korean Service Medal, UN Medal, China Service Medal and Navy Occupational Medal. He served his country with honor and bravery. He was a proud veteran. He inspired his sons, Charles and Tom to join the Air Force and Navy during the Vietnam War and his daughter Terri commissioned a Navy Nurse Corps. Lieutenant during the Persian Gulf War, including 2 grandsons to join the Navy and Marines; all proudly served. 

Charles was an avid Horse racing and Golf fan throughout his active and independent life. He was also an inventor. He loved his family and cherished time with all. We wish to give special appreciation to the staff of Mountain View Hospital and Nathan Adelson Hospice of Las Vegas for their care and compassion to our family and father. 

Visitation, Reception and Memorial for Charles will be July 29, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 1:00 PM. Memorial will be from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM with an Honor Guard at Davis Funeral Home – Rainbow Chapel 1401 S. Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146 

Funeral Service (Interment) will be at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1900 Veteran’s Memorial Rd. Boulder City, Nevada 89005 on August 6, 2025, at 10:40 AM. To be present by 10:20 AM