Jay W. Gates

Columbiana - August 21, 2013-Jay William Gates, formerly of Boardman, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House on Sharrott Road, Poland, OH on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

Mr. Gates was born October 14, 1927 in Logansport, Indiana, the son of Jay Warren and Mary Marguerite Blakely Gates. Mr. Gates married Roberta A. Bragg on December 13, 1969 in Marion, Indiana. He began his professional career with Micro-Switch in Freeport, IL and continued on to General Motors as a designer in 1959 in Marion, Indiana and was transferred to the Lordstown, Ohio plant in 1970. He was a Manufacturing Design Engineer at the Lordstown Fabricating Plant (formerly Fisher Body) retiring in 1992. He continued as a contract engineer at General Motors until 2005. Mr. Gates was a proud United States Army Veteran serving as a Cavalry Sergeant in Japan at the end of World War II. He was a member of Evangel Baptist Church in Boardman and was a dedicated volunteer with several organizations throughout his life. He never wanted recognition for his many silent and selfless acts of kindness. Mr. Gates enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, NASCAR, the Chicago Cubs, the Cleveland Browns, quietly serving the Lord and spending time with his cherished family and friends. He loved spending time in Myrtle Beach and going on cruises to many ports of call. A Good Man by the Hoosier Poet, James Whitcomb Riley A good man never dies--In worthy deed and prayerAnd helpful hands, and honest eyes,If smiles or tears be there:Who lives for you and me--Lives for the world he triesTo help--he lives eternally.A good man never dies. Who lives to bravely takeHis share of toil and stress,And, for his weaker fellows' sake,Makes every burden less,--He may, at last, seem worn--Lie fallen--hands and eyesFolded--yet, though we mourn and mourn,A good man never dies.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth Hafley of Canton Michigan. Mr. Gates is survived by his wife, Roberta Bragg Gates; two sons, Lorin P. Gates (Susan) of Ridgefield, Washington and Jay R. (J.D.) Gates (Julie) of New Hampshire; two granddaughters, Ashtyn and Kayleigh Gates of Ridgefield, Washington. He is also survived by a brother, Richard A. Gates (Rose) of Apache Junction, Arizona and four nephews. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana with Pastor Randy Brunko officiating. The Benjamin Firestone Post #290 American Legion will accord military honors. Friends may call one hour prior to the services on Saturday. Material donations may be made to the Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Road, Poland, OH 44514 or Evangel Baptist Church, 5248 Southern Blvd., Boardman, OH 44512