Toby Robert Gates, 66, of West Milton, OH, formerly of Coldwater, MI peacefully passed away Monday, May 20, 2024 at Versailles Rehabilitation and Health Care Facility in Ohio.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. The family will also be spreading Toby’s ashes in Key West, FL at a later date, per his wishes.
Toby was born on August 18, 1957, to Sallie (Gamby) and L. Jack Gates in Coldwater, MI. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1975, and went on to earn an associate’s degree from Glenn Oaks Community College. He took an interest in business, first managing the family business Gamby Candy and Grocery Company, and then moved on to entrepreneurship through a grocery diverting company, as well as a book sale company.
Toby was a kind, generous, and selfless man who was loved and adored by many. Perhaps his most unique trait was his sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh and could bring joy to any situation with jokes and witticism.
He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Donna (Cantrell) Gates; his children Robert Gates of Lebanon, KY, Samuel Gates of Ontonagon, MI, Sean (Sara) Gates of Grovetown, GA, Kimberly (William) Filipiak of Northville, MI, Tyler (JoEllen) Gates of Laura, OH, Cory (Eric) Beshures of Oswego, NY, and Clint Sewell of Huber Heights, OH. He is also survived by his siblings Sherry (Richard) Potchynok of Northville, MI, Barry Gates of Ann Arbor, MI, Terry (Jim) Whelan of Coldwater, MI, and Rick Gates of Coldwater, MI, his Father-In-Law Cam Cantrell of Dayton, OH, 15 nieces and nephews, and several great nieces and nephews.
He had a special bond with his nephew Joshua Cantrell. He is also survived by Victoria Gates of Coldwater, MI.
His proudest role was being a grandparent (Papa) to nine grandchildren: Mackenzie, Emelyn, Jackson, Colin, Beatrice, Finnley, Gentry, Gibson, and Adler.
He was preceded in his death by his parents, his mother-in-law, and Valerie Sharlow.
The family would like to thank all of the healthcare personnel who have cared for Toby over the last several years.
Memorial donations are suggested to American Diabetes Association, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, or to the Jack and Sallie Gates U of M Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Funeral arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, MI and Hale-Sarver Funeral Home in West Milton, OH.
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