Paul Lavon Gates, Sr. 

Paul Lavon Gates, Sr., age 63, of DuQuoin, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2008 in Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. 

Paul was born on March 17, 1945, a son to Floyd Elmer and Pauline (Moore) Gates. He married Phyllis Reidelberger in October 1963 and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2007. Paul was a retired coal miner, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and will be sadly missed. 

Paul is survived by three daughters: Darlene Geary of Louisville, Ky., Charlene Cavins of DuQuoin, and Dellene Tilley of DuQuoin, two sons:  David Gates and Mark Gates both, of DuQuoin, one brother: Floyd Gates of Fenton, Mo., one sister: Melba Watson of St. Charles, Mo., thirteen grandchildren: Ashley Sanders, Sabrina Reidelberger, Erica Tilley, Caitlyn Tuthill, Kevin Tilley, Jr., Heather Cavins, Steffanie Gates, Dalton Cavins, Andrew Gates, Jessica Tilley, Taylor Gates, Nathan Gates and Noah Gates, one great-grandchild: Clayton Sanders, and many dear nieces, nephews and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and one son: Junior Gates. 

Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Dennis Fitzsimmons officiating. Interment will be in Old DuQuoin Cemetery, DuQuoin. 

Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home, DuQuoin, on Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Thursday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. 

Memorials donations may be made to the family 

For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.
