Paul R. Gates

Paul R. Gates, 85, of Columbia, Ind., passed away at 1:02 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at Parkview Whitley Hospital. Born on December 30, 1928 in Warsaw, he was the son of Minard and Estella (Coplen) Gates.

Paul was a lifetime resident of Whitley County, graduating Larwill High School with the Class of 1946 and attended Findlay College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, Paul married Patricia J. Bridegam at First Church of God on July 12, 1953. Paul worked 18 years as a service station attendant, 16 years at Viking in Columbia City and retired from Brotherhood Mutual.He was a member of the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard and attended Tri-Lakes Baptist Church.

Survivors include his daughters, Laramie (David) Resler of Churubusco and Lucy (Terry) Berzenye of Fort Wayne; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 59 years, Patricia Gates; brother, Kenneth Gates; sisters, Dorothy Faben, Naomi McDonald, Grace Black, Cleora Wolfe and Ruth Schrader.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Tri-Lakes Baptist Church, 5679 N Center St, Columbia City with gathering an hour prior.Pastor Brad Fredrickson will be officiating. The Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard will be rendering military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tri-Lakes Baptist Church. Arrangements with DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home.