Columbia City High School
Alumni Database


HOME * = Has Email ** = Deceased

Tips for Entering Your Profile 

UPDATE ENTRY UPLOAD PHOTOS ADD A NAME WEBMASTER
MAIN INDEX CLASS OF 1938 CLASS MEMORIES REUNION INFO

 
   
Name: Robert E. Gates (Nickname = Bob)
Spouse: Harriett Kunkel Brown Gates (Nickname = Hoot)
Address
Columbia City, IN
Phone Number
Email Address
Personal Website

Class of

1938 Attended from through

Graduated Here?

Yes   

If graduated elsewhere, graduated from:

College Attended:

     
Birthdate: November 19, 1920   
Date of Death: March 22, 1994  
       

Current Occupation:

 

Notes:

Excerpt from Whitley County and Its Families (1995): Bob and Harriett Gates established their family in Columbia City following their marriage in Nashville, Indiana, on June 9, 1948. Bob was a Whitley County native, born on November 19, 1920 to Ralph Fester and Helene Edwards Gates of 116 North Whitley Street, Indiana. Her parents, Harry Keither and Marjorie Kunkel Brown, were both lifelong residents of Wells County.

Bob led an active and productive life until his death on March 22, 1994. A graduate of Columbia City High School and Indiana University, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning the rank of lieutenant. Following the war, he returned to the IU campus in Bloomington, where he completed his law degree while dating his future wife. He joined the family law firm in 1949. Harriett, a speech and hearing major, earned her A.B. degree in 1947.

Bob was elected state commander of the American Legion in 1957 and was Republican candidate for governor in 1964. In the years leading up to his death, Bob continued to be active at Indiana University, serving as a trustee for 21 years and as a director of the IU Foundation. He also continued his practice of law, and even saw clients at home during his final illness.

The couple had three daughters: Marjorie (Marjie), Anne and Mary Ellen.

As a couple, Bob and Hoot enjoyed travel; favorite destinations included Sanibel Island, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Minocqua, Wisconsin.

Robert E. Gates epitomized the true Hoosier: a grand mixture of love of his state, his country, his profession, and the people around him.

Obituary in Post & Mail March 23 & 28, 1994, Pg 2; and March 29, 1994, Pg 1. Funeral by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, Indiana. Buried Fairview Cemetery, Bluffton, Indiana.
 
Last Updated: 11-08-2018 Alumni ID: 11641
Database Footer

Class Coordinators needed.  If your class does not have a Class Coordinator listed with its officers, you can volunteer by clicking here: webmaster@cchsaa.org.  For more info, click here


© 2005 Columbia City High School Alumni Association     This page last modified 09/27/2006