Ervin E. Gates

ATHOL - Ervin E. Gates, 81 of 25 Woodland Drive, Athol, died Monday, July 15, 2013 in the Athol Hospital. He was born in Pawtucket, RI, on July 24, 1931, the son of the late Claude and the late Mary (Cleveland) Gates. He graduated from Templeton High School with the class of 1949.  Mr. Gates was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army. He was employed at the L.S. Starrett Company for 27 years in Department 6, he retired in 1993. He was a longtime member of Ellinwood Country Club and he volunteered for 25 years at the Gardner Prison helping with Bible Ministry.  He was honored at a ceremony in Boston at the State House for his many years of service to the prison system.   He enjoyed golfing, playing solitaire, the Red Sox and spending time with his loving family. He leaves five sons, Richard Gates and his wife Carolyn of Eugene, OR, William Gates and his fiancé Kim of Athol, Thomas Gates and his wife Molly of Derry, NH, Robert Gates and his wife Lana of Mesa, AZ, David Gates and his wife Karen of Eugene, OR; 11 grandchildren,  Tyra Gates; Steven Gates and his wife Gina; Laura Gates; Sarah Gates; Joshua Gates; D.J. Gates; David Gates; Megan Gates; Becky Gates; Jordan Gates; Jacob Gates; and two great grandchildren, Isaiah Woodin and Elizabeth Woodin. He was predeceased by his sister, Phyllis Gates Funeral services will be held  December 31, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA. A calling hour will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. $(document).ready(function(){ });