Darrell Antoine Gates' Obituary
Darrell Antoine Gates, 61, of Culpeper died Friday, April 2, 2021 at his home. He was born June 17, 1959 in Washington, DC to the late Diedre Marie Gates.
Darrell served his country for 20 years in the US Navy at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, MD, Norfolk Naval Base, VA, and multiple overseas tours. He worked as search and rescue swimmer and graphic illustrator.
Darrell was married to his wife, Elaine, for 38 years. He was the father to four children; Nicole, Amber, Derrick, and Ciara, who preceded him in death. His love for his family was unfathomable. He truly loved when he could gather with them. He was a dedicated friend to all. He was loved by his clients and coworkers. Before he left this world he had taken over the tradition of his Sugar and mother, by calling his family on their birthdays.
Darrell truly loved Star Trek, Star Wars, and anything Sci-Fi. His love for art was his passion. He loved working with his hands and creating stunning works of art. Over the years he has done numerous projects and artwork that display his talent. His work covered a broad spectrum spanning from his childhood, to his Navy career, and across his civilian career. His work is displayed around his work building along with many other places. He also enjoyed building models. He has built many RC model airplanes and helicopters. His ultimate favorite models to build were Star Trek, Star Wars, military ships (aircraft carriers), cars, model engines, and aircrafts.
Darrell is survived by his wife, Elaine Gates; three children, Nicole Rennae Gates, Amber Elizabeth Gates, and Derrick Anthony Gates; one sister, Lori Gates Little; mother-in-law, Harriet Powell; three brothers-in-law, Robert Powell, Michael Powell (Pamela), and Jeffrey Powell; one sister-in-law, Sandy Powell; two nephews, Christopher and Aaron Little; special cousins, Lisa Gates, Pamela Blackshear, Lemoyne Blackshear, Neiko Gates, Sean Coleman, and a host of additional family members.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., May 6, 2021 at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA, with Pastor Jarred Edgecomb officiating. Due to Covid-19 mandates, masks are required to enter the building. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. The family would like to invite those unable to attend in person to join the service via livestream at
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1619833174113335
Interment will follow at Culpeper National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post 2524.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Darrell’s name to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005.
An online tribute wall and guestbook are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Home of Culpeper is serving the family.
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