Fred D. Gates, age 78, of Paris, Illinois passed away at 11:46 P.M. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care surrounded by family.

Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, December 8, 2023 at Stewart and Carroll Funeral Home. Funeral service will  be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Wilson Cemetery.

Fred was born on March 18, 1945 in Paris, Illinois to Walter and Mary L. (Brown) Gates. He married Cindy Mattingly on August 14, 1965 at St. Mary's Church and she survives.

Fred worked at Cargill in Paris for over 36 years. He loved hunting, fishing, being outdoors, going to Rendezvous. He also enjoyed making beaded bags, necklaces, leather bags, and knife handles. Above all else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, his children: Brian (Lisa) Gates of Summerfield, Florida, Terry and the late Becky Gates of Dennison, Illinois, Wendy Woodard of Mattoon, Illinois; his grandchildren: Madison (Devin) Stephens, Jacob Gates (Harlee Englum), Caleb Gates (Meredith Rhoads) of Paris, Illinois, Haley Gates (Lydia Boerman) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Makayla Gates of Tampa, Florida, Myles Woodard of Marshall, Illinois, Chase Woodard of Mattoon, Illinois; his great grandchildren: Tinley and Paisley Stephens; and his siblings: Wanda Lacy of Florida, and Jim Gates of Paris, Illinois.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his sister: Mary Louise Connelley and his brother Charles Gates.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.stewartandcarrollfuneralhome.com