William L. Gates

Anderson - William L. "Bill" Gates, passed away February 19, 2010 at Community Hospital, Anderson, after an extended illness. He was a resident of Anderson, IN since 1964. William was born in Greenfield, Indiana on February 16, 1928 to George N. Gates and Ruby O. Murnan Gates. Bill was a 1946 graduate of Cadiz High School. Bill served in the United States Air Force for ten years as an air traffic controller. After his Air Force duty, he worked at Weir Cook now Indianapolis International airport in the regional air traffic control center. Bill returned to Delco Remy and retired in 1987, after thirty-two years of service. Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Anderson, UAW Local #662, American Legion Post #127 of Anderson, Amvets Post #692 of Anderson, and participated in the RSVP program in Anderson. Bill enjoyed boating, waterskiing and camping, and even built his own boat in the early 1960ï¿½s, which the family enjoyed for many years. After retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling and camping with his wife and granddaughter. In his later years, Bill took great pride in his neighborhood electric vehicle. He and his wife used the vehicle to do voluntary community service, cleaning litter from Raible Avenue, North Shore Blvd., Grandview city park, and the Grandview Golf course. They were commended by Mayor Kevin Smith, praised in the Herald Bulletin, and awarded a community service citation by Mayor Kris Ockomon. Bill is survived by his wife of sixty years, Norma K. Beavers Gates, whom he married may 27, 1949; son Ronald L. Gates of Anderson; granddaughter, Jennifer D. Gates husband, Ernest Rigg, of Wooster, OH; two sisters, Glorianna Babb of Myrtle Beach, SC, & Betty Myers of rural Shirley, IN; two brothers, G. David Gates and John Gates of Summitville, IN; eleven nieces, six nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews; several cousins, and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his father, in 1956, his mother, in 1988; and brother, Eugene Gates, in 1986. Bill had many friends all over the USA and Anderson. There will be no calling hours. Cremation was Billï¿½s choice. There will be a Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church, 230 West 9th Street, Anderson, IN on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM, with fellowship to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Anderson, or to the donorï¿½s choice of charity. Military Rites will be conducted by the V.F.W. Post 266 at 6:45 p.m. at the church. www.LooseFuneralHomes.com

William L. Gates

February 16, 1928 - February 19, 2010