Ronald G. Gates (Ronnie) born on August 31, 1937 went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 21, 2017.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Edna Gates; his granddaughter, Jenni Gelwicks; 2 brothers, Ralph and Bobby; 4 sisters, Gladys, Evelyn, Edith, and Betty.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Donna L. (Homer) Gates. Together they made a wonderful life for their 5 children; Deb (Jeff) Gelwicks, Diane (John) Bingaman, Ronda (George) Vasiloff, Debbie (Rick) Harro, and Ronald “Reg” (Jennifer) Gates; 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Ron graduated from Enola High School class of 1956. Upon graduating from school, he enlisted in the Army Reserves giving his military service from 1956-1962. He also started working at Herre Brothers, working there for 10 years. In 1963, he and his brother Bobby went into the paving business and retired in 1993.
In 1979, along with his wife he made his dream come true when they went into the building developing business of Gatesway Townhouses and Condominiums where he was the President of the Condo Association.
He was a member of the NRA, Masons Lodge #302, Pipefitters Union #520, Grouse Federation, National Geographic Association, and the Miranda Turkey Call Group.
He was an avid hunter, with trips to Montana, Maine, and Newfoundland. Aside from his love of hunting he enjoyed woodworking and making things for his kids. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends, going to Colorado, San Francisco, and cruises to Alaska, Cancun, and Disney Bahamas. The last trip was 2014 when they treated their children and grandchildren to a vacation at Disney World. He let his family know how much they meant to him with his words and actions.
Viewing will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 1PM-3PM at Glenvale Church of God 1970 New Valley Rd. Marysville PA 17053.
Services will begin at 3PM on Friday at the church.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Stone Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Glenvale Church of God or Summerdale United Methodist Church.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gates family.