Pastor Mark D. Gates

Pastor Mark D. Gates, age 48, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa WI. He was born May 19, 1968, to Richard Gates Jr. and Ethel (McGloun) Gates in Beloit, WI. He was the third of three children, Pastor Gates was a family man, and he loved his family.
He was educated in the Racine Unified School District, graduating from Horlick High in 1986. His passion for life involved sports. He was an avid basketball player with a mean left hand hook. He took Horlick High School to a state championship in the 1984-85 school years. He enjoyed city softball, basketball and traveling to various cities competing.

Pastor Gates accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Greater Mt. Eagle Baptist Church in Racine, WI, under the leadership of the late Dr. Charles E. Thornhill. In later years, he became a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Mack C. Davis.

It was in Racine, WI, where he met the love of his life, his jewel of 20 years, Iris L. Robbins. He was a devoted husband. They enjoyed traveling and everywhere they traveled, he was prepared and ready to preach the Gospel.
He was a founding member of Christ Chapel M.B. Church, under the leadership of the late Dr. William A. Lofton. He committed his life to Christ and received his calling to preach the Gospel in December of 2006; in 2007, he was licensed to preach under the leadership of the late Dr. William A. Lofton. Rev. Gates was Ordained into the Gospel Ministry in April of 2009 by Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby of St. Paul M.B. Church. He attended Seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Brookfield, WI. On August 9, 2009, Rev. Gates became the Pastor of Christ Chapel M.B. Church. In 2012, Pastor Gates was appointed by the Wisconsin General Baptist Conference as 2nd Vice President of the Congress of Christian Education. He currently served as 1st Vice President of the Congress of Christian Education. He faithfully worked as an instructor in the Congress of the Wisconsin General Baptist Conference for many years. Pastor Gates was an active member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Baptist Pastor Fellowship.

Pastor Gates leaves to cherish his precious memories his beloved wife, Iris L. (nee: Robbins) Gates; his parents Richard Gates Jr., Ethel (McGloun) Gates; brothers Charles W. Gates, Michael A. Gates of Racine, WI; Maternal Grandmother Lizzie M. McGloun; Mother-in-Law, Theresa Robbins; five God-Children; Devin Prince, Carrington Cornelious, Laila Peete, Jaydon Batchelor, and Nevaeh Prince; six sister-in-laws, seven brother-in-laws; six aunts, two uncles; his Christ Chapel Church Family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
1st Lady Iris Gates and family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and doctors at Ascension All Saints Medical Center of Racine, WI, Froedtert Hospital of Wauwatosa, WI, Racine Clergy and Racine City officials.
Pastor Gates will lie in state Tuesday, December 27, 2016, at the Racine Festival Hall from 10 am until 5 p.m. A Worship and Praise Service will take place from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Christ Chapel MBC (815 Park Ave.).
The Celebration of Life Services is Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at the Racine Festival Hall with viewing at 9 a.m. and Services following at 10 a.m. with Reverend Richard Jones Officiating. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery.
Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Reid's New Golden Gate Funeral Home, 1910 Taylor Avenue, Racine, WI.