Details
About Daniel Josiah Gates
Daniel Josiah (DJ) Gates of Mesa, Arizona, passed away May 6, 2025. Born February 27, 1997, in Mesa, he was the third of five children and lived his life to the fullest, bringing joy to everyone he came in contact with. DJ was talented in music and athletics. He graduated from Mesa High School in 2015 as a proud Jackrabbit and married his high school sweetheart, Brianna Wadsworth, in 2019. He worked as an insurance salesman. He was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He is already missed for his outgoing personality, ability to make others feel important, humorous antics, and love of life. Survivors include his wife Brie Wadsworth-Gates; parents Bob and Lana Gates; brothers Joshua and David Gates; sisters Megan Gates and Becky Elliott; grandparents Norma Paulin and Dan and Jan Hardy; and numerous nieces and nephews. DJ was preceded in death by his grandfather Ervin Gates. A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1266 S. 32nd St., Mesa, Arizona 85204.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
15 comments
Terri Shown
I was so sorry to hear about DJ. I don’t have the right words, but please know I’m thinking of you and grieving with you. I have such fondness and respect for your family, and I hate that you’re walking through this. Sending love and prayers from afar.
With care,
Terri Shown
Melinda Velasquez
My heart goes out to your family during this time of loss. I pray that you feel the arms of God wrapping around your family and lean in to him. Psalm 34:18 says that he is near to the broken hearted and comforts those who are crushed in spirit.
I remember DJ as a silly toddler, doing anything to make us all laugh. He had such a great personality and it seems he grew up staying a character to bring smiles to faces. The trip to Disneyland with your family was always a great memory for me as we walked the park with 2 double strollers, and I always enjoyed hanging out with the kids while everyone delivered phone books. I was always honored to be asked to babysit and loved hanging with your family.
My heart breaks for you all.
Love and prayers,
Melinda
Lisa Cudak
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Krystal Lowder
I knew DJ in high school and he was always a friendly face. He brightened everyone’s day and never missed an opportunity to have a laugh. I lost a child a few years ago suddenly and my heart breaks for you knowing the pain you are experiencing. Your family is in the hearts of so many. Sending love from afar. ❤️
Jordan Larsen
DJ so kind hearted, genuine, funny and overall an amazing person. I remember first meeting him in 2017 and instantly feeling like we were friends. I’m grateful to have been blessed to know him and associate with him. He was an amazing example of a follower of Christ. DJ will be missed but I know we’ll all get to see him again one day.
Austin Otteman
I knew DJ growing up in highschool & he was always a smiling face & someone full of laughs. A bright individual with a lot ahead of him. I’m so sad to hear of his passing and sending my heartfelt condolences to all his loving family and anyone close to him. -All the love -Austin
Mikayla Smith
Dj was a very lovely person to be around. Especially when it came to choir. He loved to be there, to be goofy. He brightened the day for sure. And when I noticed Brie and Dj together I knew they were meant for each other. To Bri and the family. My prayers, blessings and condolences go out to each and everyone one of you. For losing someone close to you is very hard.
Judith Connors
DJ was one of the kindest souls I have ever had the pleasure to know. He was a good friend to me and a wonderful mentor to my daughter. He is already missed terribly. Until we meet again my dear friend.
Mandee Cadsaro
DJ was an amazing person and will be so missed. He was the life of the party and made sure everyone was comfortable and happy. He put a smile on everyones face and was such a joy to be around. He made sure everyone felt important and include. We can only attempt to be half the person was was. My sincerest condolences to all that were touched by DJ.
Andrew Bogan
In the short time that I knew DJ, I found him to be a smart, kind, and artistic young man with a lot going for him, and a solid reflection of Jesus, and stellar parentage. We are all diminished without his presence in our lives. He will be missed.
Bob Partridge
Mine and Lisa’s Hearts go out to You and Lana and the entire Gates family , words can never be enough when you lose a child they always say no parent should have to lose s child . we lost our son 2013 and know what you guys are dealing with and going through that’s not easy and as time passes it will get better it will get easier but for the time being just know that you are all in our hearts and thoughts . Bob & Lisa Partridge
George & Lynnae Grubbs
Bob & Lana, Joshua, David, Megan Becky & other family
We again want to express our heartfelt love for you all & share in your grief in losing a precious son. Our memories are few but I do remember having the blessing of watching all you kids for youth events!
They were always good kids ❤️
I want to express that we are sorry to miss the memorial service as we are in Texas for a granddaughter graduation. Please know that our arms are holding you in the Lord!
Carole Grijalva
DJ was one of God’s greatest gift to this family and to all the people he came in contact with. And my friendship with him, I saw great kindness and goodness that radiated from his smile. He always made himself available to help if I ever had a need. DJ it was a glimpse of heaven in my life and I am so thankful for the honor to have met him and experience the love he gave.. I will miss him so much but I know that I will see him again.. because absent in the body is present with the lord.. and I know Jesus is holding him.. thank you DJ for shining your light in this world so that others may find their way.. miss you and love you my friend .
Deanna & Isaac Mendoza
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of DJ, and our sincerest condolences go out to the entire Gates family. Our hearts ache with you in this time of great sadness and we can’t imagine what you are going through. We know there are no words that can truly ease the pain, but we wish you peace and comfort during this time of loss.
DJ was a precious little boy to me, personally: always made me laugh and kept me on my toes as his teenage “Aunt De-Nana.” He was a fun, spunky, and an absoloute Joy in my life during his infancy/childhood, and will be treasured and remembered in my heart always. Sending Love and Strength for the whole family.
Ray and April Cole
Our hearts are breaking for all of you. Love you