Gary Austin Gates, 78, of Martins Ferry, Ohio passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Park Health Center in St. Clairsville.  He was born May 1, 1947 in Wheeling, West Virginia, a son of the late James Austin and Violet Virginia (Hall) Gates.

Gary was a retired employee of the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corporation, Yorkville Plant and a former member of the First Christian Church in Martins Ferry, Ohio.  Gary enjoyed using his metal detector searching for treasures and a Hamm Radio operator.  He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Orion.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Michael Joseph Trabert II; a great- grandson, Arloh Gates.

Surviving are his children, Heather L. Trabert, Gary Steven (Gegit) Gates; his former spouse, Cindi Schwender-Kirkland all of St. Clairsville; a cousin, Jeanne Barrett of New Manchester, West Virginia; grandchildren, Brittnay (Casey) Neal, Ashley (Josh) Berka, Scott Gates, Valerie Gates, Keirstin Trabert and Kamrynn Trabert; four great grandchildren.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday from 5-8 pm at Toothman Funeral Home, St. Clairsville.  Additional visitation will be held on Wednesday from 9 am until time of funeral services at 11 am with Pastor Dean Myers officiating.  Final arrangements will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harbor of Hope Church Missions Committee 67667 Warnock-St. Clairsville Road St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.

Most importantly, "If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Romans 10:9