Monte 'Buck' Ray Gates, Sr., was born on February 27, 1956, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Jackie Ray Gates, I and Juanita Myers Gates.  He entered into rest on September 16, 2024, in Nevada, Missouri, at the age of 68.  Monte was a lifelong area resident and self-employed handyman.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors.  He had three children, Jacob, Monica and Monte, Jr.; one sister, Connie Fields, two half-sisters, Tammy Haberer and Shanna Mosby; a half-brother, Jackie Ray Gates, II; one stepsister, Janice McCully and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.