Cecil George Gates was born November 13, 1960 to the proud parents Imogene and Robert Gates, in Shreveport Louisiana. He confessed Christ as his savior at an early age and baptized at Central Free Methodist Church. He departed this life into eternal grace on Friday, October 20, 2016 at 6:00 pm at St. Joseph Medical Center, after battling illness of rare cancer. In 1977, graduated from Notre Dame High School and joined the Naval Academy and received his degree in Health Sciences in 1980, as Aerospace Medical Technician in Pensacola, FL, and Nursing degree in Naval School of Health Sciences in San Diego, CA. Southern University of Baton Rouge, LA where he continued undergraduate studies (Math Major). Mr. Gates worked in Healthcare for over 22 years in the following positions: President/CEO-KC Healthcare Solutions of Kansas City, 2007-2016; Director of Operation/Marketing-Firstat Nursing Services, 1997-2007; Corporate Staffing Coordinator-Menorah Medical Center, 1996-1997; Staffing Coordinator-Shawnee Medical Center, 1994-1996; Staffing Coordinator-Truman Medical Center, 1988-1994; served as Chief Stewardship Officer of St. James UMC, 2011-2014 and prior to retirement worked as Chauffeur at Overland Chauffeured Limousine Service. He enjoyed fishing, basketball & golf. His favorite hobbies were chess, & traveling within and outside the country (famous words 'why wait till your too old to enjoy life'). He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Leonard and Arbie Grimes, paternal grandparents Olee and George Gates, parents Imogene and Robert Gates, brothers Lynn Edward Wynn and Robert Charles Gates, sister Dakota Darret and god-son Dominique Turner, Sr. To cherish his memories: friend and life partner of 18 years: Bryan Roberson of Kansas City, MO, god-daughter MeOshia (Willie) Drew; four grand god-daughters, Anesia, Emori, Miracle & Janiya of Dallas, TX and five grand god-children, D'Nico, London, D'Naya, Kennedi & Dominique Turner, Jr. of Kansas City; two brothers, Clarence Gates, of Shreveport, LA, Larry Player of Colorado; adopted sister, Margaret Ford; nieces, Dewayna Bamburg, Sarina Robinson, Geneva Evans, Recarasha Evens, Joyce Wynn, Tangla Dumas, Kaylee Jones, Cassandra Darrett & Kyra Darrett; nephews, John Darrett, Nicholas Bamburg &Denzell Nunsuch; loving cousin, LaFonda Fuller and host of family members who were very dear to his heart that are not listed. Funeral services will be Friday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. at St. James United Methodist Church. Interment Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.