GATES, Wilber Boyd (Spec)

The Camp Verde Bugle, Camp Verde, Arizona Sunday, November 01, 2009 Wilber Boyd "Spec" Gates, born September 12, 1926 in Montrose, Kansas, to Mary Hale and Boyd Gates, died October 7, 2009. He entered the Army at the age of 17, serving in the European theatre during WW II. He served as an MP in Germany after WW II and during Korea. Wilber helped start the National Guard in his hometown of Mankato, Kansas. Wilber also had a 47-year career as a heavy duty master mechanic which took him to many jobs throughout the mid-west, southern, and western United States. He was also a resident of Camp Verde since 1968. Wilber is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Rosa Lee Gates; his son, Patrick Adam Gates; his daughters, Tina Gates Bennett and Jan Vidlak; six grandsons; five granddaughters; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Camp Verde United Methodist Church, 480 First Street, Camp Verde. Please share your condolences at www.buelerfamilyfuneralhome.com Information provided by survivors.