V. DALE GATES JR

V. Dale Gates, Jr, 85, of Garrettsville, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at his residence, with his loving family at his side. He was born January 15, 1930 in Garrettsville, Ohio to Vernon Dale & Bertha (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 enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader and loved to play the stock market.

Dale is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth (Irwin) Gates of Garrettsville; children, Cathy Gates of Middlefield, Chris (Mark) Lawson of Florida, Bob (Karen) Gates of Parkman, 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 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandchildren, James and Linsey.

Visitation will be 4-7 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231, where a remembrance service will be held at 7 PM.

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.