Alfred Daniel Gates

Alfred Daniel “Dan” Gates was born at home on October 27, 1925 in the area west of downtown Indianapolis known as Houghville. He was the eldest of three sons followed by brothers Harvey and Richard born to Wilbur and Gertie Gates. Dan began his education at Ben Davis elementary from 1^st to 5^th grade. He then went to IPS # 52 from 6^th to 8^th grades. Washington High School was his next educational setting, graduating in June 1943.

Dan was in the Army JROTC program beginning September 1941 until his graduation, including being the Battalion Adjutant Cadet Major. He received the American Legion Award for his participation in the program. In August 1943, he entered the University of Kentucky to study Engineering. During this time, he also participated in the ASTRP, Army Special Training Reserved Program. Dan was at UK for a short 3 months and left in November. After serving his time in WWII, he entered Butler University graduating in August 1950, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

In November of 1943 Dan began his first military opportunity when he enlisted in the Army, just after turning 18 years old. He was in the Signal Corps from November 1943 to May 1946 including 13 months in the China-Burma-India Theater, as a Corporal. During this deployment, Dan and the men helped build the Ledo road in Burma. Even though he was involved in other details and missions, he never spoke of, or acknowledged those events.

Dan enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program at Butler University.  He achieved the rank of Wing Adjutant, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant in the USAFR (United States Air Force Reserve). Dan received the Distinguished Military Student Award while at Butler. He served in the Korean war from December 1950 to October 1952, with the Air Force, in Air Police Operations as a 1^st Lieutenant. He was stationed in Korea for nine months.

After serving his country on active duty, he became a member of the American Legion Broad Ripple Post #3. He has been Past Post Commander two different times along with several other officer positions. He joined Veterans of Foreign Wars Lawrence Post #261. He is a Life Member of both organizations. Heroes of 76 Lew Wallace/Tippecanoe Camp, Past Commander. Dan’s involvement was critical to his continued support of the military, country, and veterans.

Dan began his lifelong love and participation in the Boy Scouts of America, when he joined Troop 59 in the West District at the age of 13. He held several leadership positions in the troop.   He was able to achieve the highest honor a Scout can achieve which is the rank of Eagle Scout.   Dan had a very unusual and interesting process in achieving the Eagle rank, he was not present!    A specially arranged Board of Review, which each scout must attend to achieve the next rank, was held November 1943. Dan was present for the Eagle Board of Review. The next Eagle Court of Honor was held on January 31, 1944. Dan was awarded this high honor in absentia as he was already on active duty with the US Army.

Dan continued his scouting career for nearly 80 years. He held almost every possible position at the Pack, Troop, District and Council levels. Even during his time on active duty, wherever stationed, he participated in Boy Scouts. After leaving Korea, he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida. He volunteered his time and talents to Choctawhatchee district as a commissioner. In February 2009, he was the Chartered Organization Representative for Pack, Troop and Crew #100.

At the young age of 83, he attended a weeklong intensive training at Philmont Training Center for United Methodist Scouters. Dan encouraged and mentored both youth and adults to advance in rank and training opportunities for the betterment of the individual but also for the BSA program. He always believed in a positive approach and not focused on an individuals’ lack of skills or their gender.

Dan was the recipient of numerous training courses, honors, and awards. It would take several pages to list all. Several significant ones are: November 1971, Commissioner Arrow and Commissioner Service Award; 1969, Adult Leader Award, Commissioner’s Key, District Scouter  Award; December 1969, 25 year Veterans Award; May 1971, Silver Beaver and Wood Badge Beads; August  1971, Adult Firecrafter and Cub Leader Training Award; November 1974, Scout Leader Training Award;  February 1975, Cubmaster’s Key; April 1978 Scoutmaster’s Key; June 2009, Philmont Training Center; 2009, Scouting Ministry Specialist; July 2011, American Legion Square Knot Award;  2013 The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award.

Dan was employed at Sears downtown Indianapolis. One evening as he was leaving work along with the other co-workers, he came upon a damsel in distress. An exceptionally beautiful petite coworker had a flat tire.  Dan being the Eagle Scout (helping others at all times), and charming young man, assisted the damsel by changing her tire. This led to a very long standing, loving relationship between Dan and Patricia “Pat” Gregory. Dan and Pat were married on October 7, 1952. This union yielded three children, Greg, Pam and Scott. Dan lost his love, Pat on July 29, 1995.

A few years later, Dan married Ruth Bell Krulce on February 13, 1999 at Lawrence United Methodist Church. This marriage was a beautiful ceremony with both Dan and Ruth’s respective family members attending. They met at church and had many common interests. The Garden Club of Indiana, plus two different local clubs (Shamrock and Ft. Benjamin Blossoms) were a pleasant pastime for each of them. Both had strong greens thumbs receiving many allocates and awards. They enjoyed traveling and went on several special trips including to Germany where Dan’s family originated. Ruth passed away in October of 2001.

Dan was employed with Indiana Bell for 20 years. He retired in 1972 as a Business Service Staff manager. He’s a Life member of Telecom Pioneers. He then went to work as a broker/realtor with F.C. Tucker. There was a period of time in which both he and Pat worked for Tucker. He worked full time for many years then part time before retiring for the last time.

Dan is a fifth generation Master Mason, being raised to Master Mason on December 20, 1946 at Lynhurst #723 F. & A. M. Dan transferred to Mystic Circle # 685 in 1987. He held several offices including Worshipful Master in 1995. He received his 50-year Award of Gold from the Grand Lodge of Indiana in January of 1997. Dan continued to contribute to his lodge holding several offices and participating in numerous fundraiser events.  On February 24, 2021, a moving presentation occurred via Zoom when Dan was presented his 75-year Award by the Grand Master of Indiana.

Dan belonged to numerous organizations affiliated with the Masonic Lodge including the Order of Eastern Star. He was initiation on December 9, 1947 into Lynhurst chapter and transferred to Lawrence chapter # 384. Pat and Dan Gates served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron March 1992-1993.  He received the General Grand Chapter ROSE award in 1993. He received his 50-year Gold Award on June 11, 1997. When Dan was congratulated that evening he said, “the only thing I did to deserve this award was live long enough”. He served as Worthy Patron again March 1998-1999. Dan served in many officer positions but the most important and rewarding position he held for many years was Santa Claus at the annual Lodge Christmas Party.

Other organizations Dan belonged to were: Jashua Chapter #158 Royal Arch Masons receiving his 50 Award of Gold in 2000, Grand Chaplain 2001, Distinguished Companion 2006 Hiram’s Council #111 Cryptic Mason, Grand Chaplain 2004, H.E. Lackey Commandry #67 Knights Templar, Distinguished Service Award 2003, Ancient Accept Scottish Rite, NMU, Valley of Indianapolis, Life Member Marvin L. Isley York Rite College #129, Gold Service Award 2005, Indianapolis Preceptary #4 Yoeman of York, High Twelve Indianapolis chapter #722, Past President

Dan was very involved with the Lawrence Fire Department as Merit Commission Secretary from 1991-1999. He was the official photographer of numerous fire scenes and training exercises. The Gates family has a long history of members serving as Fireman and Law Enforcement.

From a very young age, religion and participating in church was a very important aspect of Dan’s entire life. He was a member of the United Methodist Church wherever he lived. Since 1963 he belonged to Lawrence United Methodist Church where he was very active on several boards, committees, and events.

Dan always had a camera in his hand. He was referred to as the ‘official photographer’ for many activities, events, and organizations. Even if you didn’t want your picture taken, he was able to maneuver to do so without your knowledge. He strongly believed, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’. He was able to capture thousands of memorable, historical events and people.  He made two copies of each picture to share and never asking or expecting any monetary compensation. Due to his hobby admiration, he was the historian for numerous organizations.

Dan was preceded in death by his loving wives, Pat (Gregory) Gates and Ruth (Bell) Gates; parents, Wilbur and Gertie Gates; and brother Harvey Gates.
Survivors include his children, Greg (Jackie) Gates, Pam (Charles Johnson) Gates, Scott (Karen Kanipe) Gates; grandchildren, Joshua Pyle, Caroline (Derek) Prifogle, Ashley (Todd) Goodner, Stephanie (Riley Stone) Gates-Stone, Heather (Tom) Drake, Brandon (Sarah) Gates and Danielle Orr; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Goodner, Colin Goodner, Alexandra Prifogle, and Caden Gates; and brother, Richard Gates.

Please CLICK HERE to join Dan’s virtual service at 6:30pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the following in Dan’s memory/honor:

The Garden Club of Indiana Scholarship Fund

c/o Joyce Bulington

6024 S. Elm Dr. Marion, IN. 46953-6124

City of Lawrence Fire Department–Needy Family Fund

9001 E. 59th Street Ste #204

Lawrence, IN 46216

Dan’s Family greatly appreciates your kindness and support during this time.