Linden Raymond Gates, Jr.

Linden Raymond Gates, Jr., age 99, of Mechanicsburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, August 25, 2023 at his home.  

Linden was born March 3, 1924 in Mechanicsburg.  He graduated from Mechanicsburg High School in 1942, and enlisted in the Navy shortly after graduating and served his country during WWII in the Pacific.  He was a devoted and loving father and grandfather.  Founder of Suburban Roofing Co. with his wife Lois who graduated to heaven in 2004.  

His main burden though, was to see people receive Jesus as their Savior. The Lord gave him the idea of a youth center where young people could come to have a good time, but, most importantly, to hear the good news that Jesus died for them and loves them. He named the center “Why at the Well?” which comes from John 4, the story of the woman at the well.  This woman came to draw water to quench her physical needs and Jesus quenched her spiritual thirst.  This “living water” is accepting Jesus as stated in John 14:6, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father by Him.  

Surviving are his children Linda J. Kauffman and her husband, Robert, of Mechanicsburg; Linden R. Gates IV and his wife, Patti, of Mechanicsburg; Jeffrey O. Gates and his wife, Donna, of Boiling Springs; Lowell R. Gates and his wife, Linda, of Mechanicsburg; Michelle L. Schenk (graduated to heaven) and her husband, Kenneth. His 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren.  

Matthew 25:21 says, His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of the Lord.  

All are welcome to join Linden’s family at his in-person gathering of family and friends on Friday, September 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Landmark Baptist Church and Why at the Well?, 17 E Simpson St, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Robert H. Kauffman officiating.  A graveside service and burial will be in Mechanicsburg Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.  

Memorial Contributions may be made to Why at the Well? Youth Center, 17 E Simpson  

Linden’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Linden’s full obituary, view his memorial video and picture, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.