Oscar Nolan Gates

February 5, 1934 - January 24, 2021

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River City Church

108 Beck Lane

Lafayette, IN 47909

Monday 8/2, 3:00 am

Oscar N. Gates, 86, of Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Creasy Springs Health Campus.

He was born on February 5, 1934, in Indianapolis to the late Elmer and Hazel Thompson Gates.

Oscar graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. He attended Indiana University and University of Georgia.

In 1956, he entered the US Army and was assigned to Fort Stewart, GA. He was in charge of the accounting section of the post engineers, was on the bowling and soft ball teams and was honorably discharged in 1958.

In 1958, he graduated from the 16^th recruit class of the Indiana State Police Academy in Bloomington.

In July 1959, he was assigned to the Indiana State Police post in Lafayette. Oscar retired as Captain from the Indiana State Police on November 5, 1981 as the Area 1 Commander. He then worked as the Director of Security at Caterpillar in Lafayette until he retired in January 1996. He attended First Assembly of God church and was a member of the Masons and Pioneers of State Police.

On October 22, 1960, he married Joycelyn Strawsma in Lafayette and they enjoyed a wonderful life together for 60 years.

Oscar enjoyed cheering for IU football and basketball teams, woodworking, and time with his family and friends. He and his clever sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his wife, Joycelyn Gates of Lafayette; son, Randall (Rosa) Gates; son, Jere (Sara) Gates; daughter, Sandra Lohman; brother, Tom (Marge) Gates; sister, Mary Chalko; sister-in-law, Karen (Gene) Hartke; grandchildren Joshua Gates, Aaron Gates, Candice Lohman, Kyle Lohman, Andrew Lohman; great grandchildren Stella and Aeden.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, sister Eleanor Mae, and brother Elmer C. Gates.

Celebration of life will be held August 2, 2021 at 3:00 PM at River City Church in Lafayette.

Memorial contributions may be made to: River City Church or a charity of donor’s choice. Contributions can also be made in his name to www.indianasfinest.com/heroes/

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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River City Church

108 Beck Lane

Lafayette, IN 47909

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Monday 8/2, 3:00 am

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Oscar N. Gates, 86, of Lafayette, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at Creasy Springs Health Campus. He was born on February 5, 1934, in Indianapolis to the late Elmer and Hazel Thompson Gates. Oscar graduated from Arsenal Tech High School in Indianapolis. He attended Indiana University and University of Georgia. In 1956, heContinue Reading

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I had the pleasure of meeting Oscar at Caterpillar for my interview in '11. We were strangers but not for long. After the interview I realized he worked for ISP and asked if he new Trooper Hughes of Boone County, sure he said. The more we talked I found out he was a traveling Brother. Small world and the friends we meet. So mote it be.

Very sorry to hear. I knew Oscar through Caterpillar. Always enjoyed talking with Oscar; he always seemed to have a positive outlook, and I enjoyed talking with him. May God be with his family in this time of loss, and in the healing that is sure to follow. RIP Oscar.

I've known Oscar for many years, and he truly was a wonderful guy. So sorry for your loss, but take comfort in knowing that he now is in the presence of Jesus. God Bless you and your family. Mike Smith

Rest In Peace my friend.

A good man, good officer, gone, will be missed

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I'm very sorry a great man has left this earth. It was a great honor and pleasure to have worked with you Captain Gates. John Crane Retired ISP Indianapolis

Joyce, Sorry to hear of Oscar's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Oscar at Caterpillar; and visiting with him at the local auctions. A great man will be truly missed. Wishing you and your family strength and peace. With deep sympathy from your friends at this time of sadness. Carl and Judy Caplinger

Joyce - I am so sorry to hear of Oscar's illness and passing. I met him in 1978 when I went to work for ISP and have kept in touch since then. It meant so much to me that you and Oscar took the time to come over to my nephew's home in Lafayette to visit with me a couple of years ago. Then we were able to have dinner together at the Pioneers soon after that. The two of you will always be very special people in my life. With Love and Sympathy

Joyce, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Although I only met Oscar a few times, I feel I knew him from "stories" related to me by one of his best buddies, Gerald Hole. Still remember the fun trips we had with Gold Tour and Travel. Marvin & Gloria Oliver

Joyce, Please accept my sincere sympathy for you and the family during this difficult time. Oscar was an important part of the team we put together at Caterpillar, and a pleasure to work with. I regret that all the upset of the past year caused a disconnect between us. I wish for strength and comfort as you deal with his loss. Sincerely, Jim Ross .

Dear Joyce, I was sorry to learn that your husband has passed away. You had so many years together. With sympathy, Marcia Garland

Joyce, sorry to hear of Oscars passing. May he Rest In Peace!

Joyce and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my prayers during this difficult time. I always enjoyed chatting with Oscar when I saw him. He was a wonderful man.

It was a privilege to work for Oscar when he started his career at CAT. He was always a gentleman and was the best story teller based on his life experiences. The man always had a smile and had a wonderful sense of humor. We use to go to dinner with he and Joyce on the weekend. He loved to play practical jokes. There will only ever be one Oscar Gates. My deepest sympathy to his wife and family. RIP

I used to go to McDonald’s on Saturday with Oscar, My dad and many other retired policemen. Oh the stories they told! Sure miss those good times. Oscar was a really great man.

Oscar was a good friend to me. We worked together at Caterpillar, and interviewed new hires, as a team after we retired. We enjoyed lunches together, for several years, sharing gossip, or creating it. Oscar’s sense of humor was excelled by no one. He was a very special human being, and I will always cherish his friendship. He will always remain with me in thought. My thoughts go out to the family, whom he loved and cherished. I felt that I knew each of you because of the stories he shared with me. My condolences go out to all of you. Love to all of you.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.