Age 67, passed away at home on December 26, 2018. He was born in Kalamazoo on August 29, 1951, the son of Joseph Gates Sr. and Patricia Martin, who survive. Joe was a kind and loving man who was a joy to know. He was loved by his family and his friends and will be missed by all. He was a hard worker who did his best to provide for those he loved. Joe’s true passion was riding his motorcycle. He was a member of the Outriders Motorcycle Club where he will be missed. He was also a loyal Green Bay Packers fan. Above all Joe loved his family and his pet dogs. He is survived by his loving wife Olivia Gates; Jon Gates, Jeff (Jason Barron) Gates; several grandchildren; a brother, Mike (Ginger) Gates; a sister-in-law, Karen Gates; a half-brother, Steven (Karen) Gates. He was also preceded in passing by a son Joseph Gates IV; a brother, Mark Gates; step-father, Emmitt Martin and step-mother, Janette Gates.