Alan M. Gates was born on January 7, 1937. He made the journey to heaven to go fishing with Jesus on Saturday, April 10, 2010. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Gerald and Grace Gates; a daughter, Christine Gates and his mother-in- law and father-in-law, Mary and James Kilmer. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jeannette Gates; a daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Dave Conklin; two sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Heather Gates and Jim and Bert Gates; a granddaughter, Vivian Gates; a grandson, Ivan Gates; four brothers, Kenneth Gates, Columbia, SC, Jerry Gates, Byron, GA, Roger Gates, FL, Bobby Gates, Corbettsville, NY, a sister-in-law and her husband, June and Mike Edsall, Whitney Point, NY; many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Alan was a Town of Binghamton Past Assistant Fire Chief, and was a 51 year volunteer fireman. He was a Korean War Veteran serving with the U.S. Air Force. He was also a former owner of Gates Doors in Binghamton. He enjoyed fishing at his camp on Oneida Lake, cooking for the Fire Co. Pancake Breakfast at Station #2, but most of all he loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He passed away where he loved to be the most, at his camp on Oneida Lake surrounded by many dear friends. He was a very generous man and was always helping others. He will be deeply missed and always honored. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 2 pm at the Hawleyton United Methodist Church, Pennsylvania Avenue, Hawleyton, with the Reverend William Puckey, Pastor of his church officiating. Burial will be in Conklin Forks Cemetery, Conklin Forks, NY. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott Wednesday from 9 am to12 pm. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the Town of Binghamton Volunteer Fire Company, c/o Chief Gary Gunn, 22 Rexford Street, Binghamton, NY 13903.