Wayne A. Gates, age 91, of Warren, IL passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Wayne was born on the family farm in Rush Township, son of Milton and Frankie (Kish) Gates on January 13, 1930. He worked with his parents on the farm until they moved to Warren in December of 1945. After moving to Warren, Wayne worked for A.H. Burrows' Lumber Yard for several years, after which he worked at the Savanna Ordnance Depot.

On January 8, 1949, he married Betty E. Hartwig, and they began farming shortly thereafter. Wayne and Betty enjoyed traveling and visiting all fifty states, as well as Europe and Canada. Besides tending their dairy herd and raising a family, they planted several thousand trees on their farm. Wayne was the recipient of the American Tree Farm Award.

He is survived by his 3 children- Robert (Judy) Gates of Warren, IL, Linda (Robert) Sharpe of Indianapolis, IN, Roger (Rebecca) Gates of Forsyth, IL; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents, Milton and Frankie Gates; brother Donald Gates and sisters Neola Magee, Doris Westaby, and June Bourquin.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021, at the Bartell Leamon Funeral Home in Warren, IL.

Wayne was a long-time member of the Warren United Methodist Church, where his funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.

Officiating at the service will be Roger Bronkema.

Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held at the Warren United Methodist Church.

A private family graveside will be held at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL.

A memorial has been established in his memory for the Warren United Methodist Church.