Albert Gates

Albert Sherman Gates, 93, of Creston went to be with Jesus Nov. 27, 2017.

He was born July 23, 1924, to Henry William and Florence Pearl Sickles Gates on the Sickles ranch near Sulphur Springs, Texas. He was raised in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, where he attended the Doyle schools. Al enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and received his basic training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. While in training he dated Mary Jean Rensink, but only three times before being deployed to Nazi, Germany. While in Europe, he fought in three major battles. Upon discharge in 1945, and possessing a huge of stack of letters from his sweetheart, he married Mary Jean.

In 1949, they were invited to an ‘ole’ time evangelistic tent meeting, where they heard they were sinners in desperate need of being rescued from Hellfire punishment. They heard from the Bible in Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The Scripture was read to them from John 3 where Jesus said, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Other scriptures were shared with them showing where their good living and religion was not good enough to get them into Heaven. They had a sin debt they couldn’t pay, but Jesus could. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Mary Jean believed the truth they heard at that meeting, but Al didn’t. A year went by as Al watched his wife being changed by her faith in Jesus Christ. In 1950, he realized it was all really true, that “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” He repented of his sin, and by faith claimed ‘two’ Corinthians 5:17 as his life’s verse, “If any man be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things are passed away behold all things have become new.” Al was in the process of being transformed and changed, and so was his earthly location. He moved his family from Boyden to Creston, where he purchased the Moonlight Motel. They became active members of First Baptist Church. Al started nursing home preaching ministry in 1968, and jail counseling ministry in 1970. He also served as a trustee, deacon and usher. He was a member of Gideons International, helping distribute Bibles throughout southwest Iowa.

Al was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Mary Jean; four sisters, Bea Hood, Pearl McDonald, Lucy Brister and Goldie Hill; and daughter-in-law Maggie.

He is survived by his sister Daisy Smith; daughter Marian Grant; sons, Alan Gates (Nancy) and Glen Gates; 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Al’s body will be buried 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Union Cemetery in Ringgold County. His memorial service will be 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at First Baptist Church in Creston.

Al is in Heaven enjoying the presence of the Lord, awaiting the Resurrection.