Charles Wendell Gates was born April 8, 1933, in Bethel, Oklahoma, to William Leroy Gates and Bessie Wilson Gates. He passed away in Tulsa on December 20, 2018 at the age of 85. He married Francine Buchanan on July 23, 1954 in Tulsa, and they were married for 64 years. Wendell received a degree in mechanical engineering from OSU in 1959 He designed and managed gas transportation systems until he retired as an officer of the Williams Companies.

He was predeceased by his parents and all five siblings: Hazel Moseley, Russell Gates, Don Gates, Billy Gates, and Gene Gates.

He is survived by his wife, Francine, and their three daughters: Brenda Gates and husband, Mark McGee; Ellen and husband, John Ayers; and Susan and husband, Don Kahl; his Bosnian "son", Senad Divanovic and wife, Allison; and granddaughter, Laura McGee, as well as other family members.

Wendell enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and traveling and was an avid fan of all OSU sports. He held season tickets to OSU football for 45 consecutive years and to OSU basketball (men's and women's) for almost as long. And for shorter periods of time, he held season tickets to baseball and softball.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Southwood. OSU orange attire encouraged. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his favorite charity, the American Cancer Society.