Robert Gates

CW5 Robert E. Gates, USA (Ret.), 78, of Prince George County, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, June 16, 2022. Born on May 13, 1944 in Flinton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Eugene B. Gates and Madeline R. Gates. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 34 years, Evelyn Marie Gates, and his sister, Joan Graboski.

As a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the United States Army, Robert served in both the Vietnam War and the First Gulf War. He served as active duty from March of 1964 to August 2001, dedicating 37 years. He then went on to work for government contractors and government services for 18 years.

He is survived by his children, Rebecca “Becky”, Joseph, and Patricia “Tricia”; nine siblings, William, Ronald, Betty, Nancy, Leo, Patrick, Kenneth, Linda, and Shirley; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Entombment will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park, S. Prince George 23805. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to the S.P.C.A of Petersburg & Colonial Heights, 104 Pickwick Avenue, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.