Elbert "Gator" Legate, age 79, of Granite City, Illinois passed away on Saturday, August 6, 2016 in Saint Peters, Missouri. He was born in Bear Springs, Tennessee on March 19, 1937 to John and Elizabeth Legate (nee Selph). On June 13, 1970, in Granite City, Illinois, he married the former Gail Marie Miller. She preceded him in death February 17, 2016 in Maryville, Illinois.

Gator retired as an Engineer with ADM Corn Processors after 29 years. He loved hunting, fishing, and the Dallas Cowboys, but was very devoted and passionate about the St. Louis Cardinals.

Gator is survived by his children, Debbie (Frank) Sturgill of Swansea, IL, Debra (Walter) Salwitz of FL, John Legate of Jackson, MO, Donna Heyman of Grover, MO, Barb (Steve) Fisher of Cedar Rapids, IA, Michael Legate of Cedar Rapids, IA, Sandi (Ed) Cantrell of Granite City, IL, Linda (Scott) Northrup of Troy, MO, and Pattie (Tony) Cicerelli of Saint Peters, MO; two sisters, Joyce Danner and Peggy Collins; a brother Jerry (Judy) Legate; 18 grandchildren, Joe (Cori), Christi (Steve), Joseph, Shannon, Beth (Matt), Dwayne, Diane, Jason (Miranda), Jesse, Travis, Amanda, Shawna, Ryan (Brandy), Alex, Tyler (Jessica), Madeline, Brad and Jack; 20 Great-grandchildren and 6 great-great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents; a son, Steve Coad; a sister, Orlean Clifton; and three brothers, James, Terry and Larry Legate.

The family will receive friends on Sunday August 14, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Service at the graveside will start at 12:00 Noon at Sunset Hill Memorial Estate, Edwardsville, Illinois.