EDITOR’S NOTE: Story updated on April 24 & April 29.
BRIDGETON, Mo. — The Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) announced on April 23 that its president, Juston Gates, passed away during the previous night due to injuries from a hunting accident that occurred a week ago.
According to news outlets, Gates was injured during a turkey hunt near Mangum, in Southwest Oklahoma, when he was accidentally shot by one of his hunting companions, April 16. He was transported by air to OU Health in Oklahoma City in critical condition, but passed away a week later due to his injuries.
The MBCH released the following statement on April 23:
“It is with a heavy heart and great sense of loss that we announce the passing of our brother in Christ, devoted father, beloved pastor, and President of MBCH, Dr. Juston Gates. Dr. Gates was recently hospitalized for injuries sustained on a business-related hunting trip, and he eventually succumbed to those injuries on April 23, 2026 at 12:02am.”
Juston Gates
The MBCH statement added, “Dr. Gates went to be with the Lord with his family standing by his side. He was well known for his love of and obedient service to Jesus Christ. He had a deep love for his family, both his family at home as well as his MBCH family. Dr. Gates will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, and we continue to welcome prayers for his family and friends, as well as for MBCH leadership as we mourn this great loss.”
According to news outlets, Gates was injured during a turkey hunt near Mangum, in Southwest Oklahoma, when he was accidentally shot, April 16, by one of his hunting companions. He was transported by air to the OU Health in Oklahoma City in critical condition, but passed away a week later due to his injuries.
The MBCH announced that a memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2. Details are available here: https://mbch.org/celebration-of-life-service-for-dr-juston-gates/.
Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director Wes Fowler told The Pathway, “When we moved to Missouri, Dr. Gates quickly became a trusted friend. His outgoing and encouraging personality was always endearing, his work ethic was second to none, and his passion for proclaiming the Gospel was ever-present. He was a gifted pastor, a skilled preacher, a talented administrator, and a tremendous leader. When Dr. Gates was called to serve as president of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, he considered it an absolute blessing to care for children, families, and all who were vulnerable.
“He was a man of sincere faith, a man of genuine prayer, and a servant of all,” Fowler said. “He will be dearly missed by Missouri Baptists. The comfort we have, and the promise we cling to, is that through Jesus, though we die, yet shall we live. Dr. Gates trusted Jesus as the Messiah for the forgiveness of his sins. For this reason alone, we have a foundation of joy and peace while we grieve and mourn. May God’s goodness and love provide comfort to the family and to all who knew and loved Dr. Juston Gates.”
MBC President Wesley Vance, executive pastor at Crossway Baptist Church, Springfield, told The Pathway, “To know Dr. Gates was to know a man resolute and confident in his Savior’s work, fierce in his affection for his family, and an unflinching force to protect the vulnerable around the world. A rare gentleman-scholar whose infectious smile and unending joy left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Even through his death, he multiplied his life by serving those in need of critical organs. Today, with confidence, his faith has now been made sight.”
The MBCH previously called Missouri Baptists to pray for Gates and his family following his hunting accident last week (Read stories here and here).
Gates began his tenure as MBCH president in May of 2024. Previously, he pastored churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas since 2000, and in Missouri since 2012. Prior to entering the pastorate, Gates worked law enforcement with police departments in Memphis, Tenn., Tupelo, Miss., and Allen, Texas, while also serving as a Federal Agent with the United States Border Patrol. He was a graduate of both The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (where he earned his M.Div.) and Luther Rice Seminary (where he earned his D.Min.) He has also previously served on the executive board of the Missouri Baptist Convention.
The Pathway will report further information as it becomes available.