Jeffrey T. "Papaw" Gates

Jeffrey T. Gates, 79, of West Alexandria, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025, leaving behind a family who will forever miss his stories, jokes, and nights on the patio smoking a stogie.

Born May 24, 1946 at Miami Valley Hospital to Adele and James “Bo” Gates, Jeff graduated from Twin Valley South High School in 1964. Shortly after, he was drafted into the US Army, serving honorably as a helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam War, stationed in Furth, Germany. That is where he met and married his first wife, Bea Guerra, and welcomed his first child, Christopher before returning stateside in 1967.

Jeff went on to work for Dayton Tire and Firestone International which gave him the chance to do what he loved most: travel the world and immerse himself in other cultures. His wanderlust spirit took him and his family to Ghana, Venezuela, and Chile. Later, he found joy in importing African art, bringing unique treasures home to share with others. Even in retirement, he put his passport to good use. He always found time for a beach in Cancun or a rooftop bar in Cuba, preferably with a nice Cuban cigar in hand, imagining himself living a page or two out of Ernest Hemingway’s life.

In 1984, Jeff married Cheryl England, and together they built a beautiful life filled with travel, music, and every new movie release they could find. But his favorite role was being Papaw. Whether cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes, talking hot rods, pranking the grandkids, he never missed a chance to make a memory.

Jeff was known for his sharp sense of style, his appreciation for a smooth cigar, and his generous heart.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Adele and James “Bo” Gates, and his wife, Cheryl. He is survived by his children Christopher (Alicia) Gates and Sonja (Gates) Bitsko; stepchildren Jacinda (Bill) Wheeler, Alicia (Joe) Scaglione, and Dana (Karen) Ward; grandchildren Reagan, Carson, Collin, Rachel, Corinne, C.J., Jack, Jacob, Hannah, and Hailey; brother James (Beth) Gates; nephews Scott Gates, Jamie (Shelley) Gates, and Matthew (Alison) Gates; great-nieces and nephew Adelee, Gentry, and Peyton; and countless family and friends who loved him deeply.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am at Gard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 67 W. Dayton Street, West Alexandria, OH.  A reception will follow at a local family member's home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pups4Patriots, a program of the American Humane Society.