Marvin L Gates, age 75, of Oak Grove, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at Blanchfield Army Hospital of natural causes. The family has chosen cremation with a celebration of life at a later date. Maddux-Fuqua-Hinton Funeral Home has been entrusted by the family to handle arrangements.
Mr. Gates was born August 17, 1947, in Davenport, Ia., to the late John M. and Marianne Welch Gates. Marvin grew up by the Mississippi River where he enjoyed fishing, boating, and fighting the floods. After graduation in 1965, he served in the Army as a radio operator in Germany and volunteered his time as scout master to troops on base. Marvin was a drummer for several well-known bands and a promoter of popular bands in the 1970s. He was also known for his leather carvings and artwork which won him numerous blue ribbons.
Marvin was a highly regarded chef, helping with the grand opening of the Moline Community Mark Center, working as a chef for the gambling boats and country clubs, as well as catering special functions around the Quad City area. He enjoyed donating his time to the younger generations and volunteered as a math dad to elementary children and a reading dad to high schoolers. Marvin’s home was always open to anyone who needed a meal or a place to stay. He enjoyed a wide circle of friends.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Julie Allen Gates; his son, A.J. Gates; his daughter, Jessica Anderson, and her husband Ike; his grandson, Apollo; and his granddaughters, Johnnie and Frankie ZuZu.
