Raymond H. Gates

Raymond Heilman "Shorty," Gates, 83, of Thistle Avenue, Sistersville, W.Va., died August 15, 2008, in Camden Clark Memorial Hospital. He was born June 1, 1925, in Wayne County, W.Va., son of the late Lyle B. and Zula B. Barbour Gates. He was retired from PPG Industries; was a WWII Army veteran; and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church; BPOE No. 333; and VFW Post 6327. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy L. Boyles Gates, who died in 1968. Surviving are daughter, Susan L. Gates of Middlebourne, W.Va., loving companion, Martha J. "Marty" Kirkbride; nieces, Emily (Gary) Kupferer of Sistersville, W.Va., and Gayle (Steve) Clegg Nelson of New Martinsville, W.Va.; nephews, George (Rene) McEldowney of Auburn, Ala., and Sam McEldowney of Pittsburgh, Pa.; and several great-nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Sunday, August 17, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Myers Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Sistersville, W.Va., where services will be held on Monday, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Dennis Mehaffie officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Sistersville. Military graveside services by VFW Post 6327, Sistersville; American Legion Post 86, Paden City; American Legion Post 67, Sistersville; VFW Post 4634, New Martinsville; and American Legion Post 28, New Martinsville. Elks Memorial Service, Sunday, at 7:30 p.m.