Athon Lancaster Gates

Athon Gates passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on February 24, 2024, at the age of 60, following a long-term illness. He was born on July 11, 1963, in West Memphis, AR., to Reverend Harold Gates and Sister Gates. He moved with his family to Saginaw, Michigan, in March 1965. Athon gave his life to Christ at 14 at his father's Church Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist. Even in Texas, he remained dedicated and attended the Friendship-West Baptist Church until his death.

Athon attended the Saginaw public school system, where he graduated from Saginaw High School with the class of 1981.

Athon loved basketball and pursued his love after high school. He earned a spot at Spring Arbor College for one season, then moved to Tyler, Texas, and played for Texas College, an HBCU, after two seasons and a knee injury. Athon returned to Michigan, where he took the civil service exam to join the police academy. After completing the academy, he was hired by the Saginaw Police Department, where he began his law enforcement career. After 21 years of service, in 2001, Athon retired and moved to Texas to start his second career in law enforcement. He worked for the Tarrant County Sheriff's Department. He enjoyed his second career and made many peers and close friends until he developed health challenges, which led to his second retirement. Athon was known as a gentle spirit that never met a stranger. He would talk to anyone about anything for hours. He would always find a positive spin in any situation. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, mother, and family. He doted on his grandchildren all the time. He enjoyed watching sports of all types.

Athon leaves to cherish in his memory his daughters, J'Frances (Jason) White and Tekisha (Demetrius) Smith. Son- John Laws. Grandchildren- Caleb White, Camron White, Dasia Smith, and Kobe Smith. Mother- Sister Gates. Brother- Cassen (Tracy) Gates. Sister- Dahl Enoch Gates. Nephews - Devere Enoch and Myles Gates. Nieces- Dene' Smith, Mason Gates, and Morgan Gates. Special Uncles - Don "Sporty" (Rosie) Graves, Jedell (Percilla) Graves, Special Aunts- Evelyn (Larry) Williams and Easter (Leemon Sr.) Brown. Close Uncle- Dr. Johnny Lee Gates. Athon had a large family of 12 loving uncles, 8 aunts, and numerous cousins on both stems of his family tree—close cousins Erica Moore, Regina Ousley, and Charles Smith. Godmothers Lucy Wilson and Viola Torrence. God sisters Mary Swift, Rene Kaiser, and Latrice Torrence. Godbrother Lee Thomas Jr. Close friends Avar Laws-Wright, Katonnia Pittman, Leon Mckinney, Lawrence Jones, and the City of Saginaw. Athon had a tremendously sizable social footprint and far too many friends to identify names. He loved them, and they loved him.

Athon was preceded in death by his father, Reverend Harold Gates, and brother, Baxter Gates.

The family would like to extend special acknowledgment to The Baylor University Cardiology Team, particularly the LVAD unit, and also the Saginaw Police Department, Tarrant County Sheriff's Department of Dallas, TX, Care One Mortuary of Arlington, TX, and Paradise Funeral Chapel.

The Family and Friends will gather at 4:00 PM at 353 South 30th Street on Friday, March 15, 2024.