V. Dale Gates Jr.
GARRETTSVILLE – V. Dale Gates Jr., 85, of Garrettsville, passed away April 19, 2015, at his residence, with his loving family at his side.
He was born Jan. 15, 1930, in Garrettsville, to Vernon Dale and Bertha (nee Andersen) Gates Sr.
Dale served his country honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He was a contractor and remodeled homes throughout northeastern Ohio.
He was a pilot, a hot air balloon pilot and the founder of the Cleveland Parachute Center.
Dale loved to fish, especially in Canada and was a true “outdoorsman.” He also enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader and loved to play the stock market.
Dale is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth (nee Irwin) Gates, of Garrettsville; children, Cathy Gates, of Middlefield, Chris (Mark) Lawson, of Florida, Bob (Karen) Gates, of Parkman Township, Maria (Kevin) Lupardus, of West Virginia, Mike Gates, of Garrettsville, and Esther Gates, of New Hampshire; brother, Richard (Beverly) Gates, of Parkman; grandchildren Jennifer, Danessa, Brianna, Adrian, Matthew, Morgan, Ashley, Landon, Tyler, Destiny and Jordan; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandchildren James and Linsey.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. April 23 at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, where a remembrance service will be held at 7 p.m.
The family suggests memorial contributions in Dale’s name be made to “Garrettsville Strong.” PO Box 1, Garrettsville, OH 44231, or to the American Cancer Society, 5555 Frantz Road, Dublin, OH 43016.
Online condolences at www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com and www.funerallocation.com.
