Donald John Gates

Donald J. Gates Salina, Utah - Our kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Donald John Gates, age 79, died June 25, 2003 in Richfield, Utah. He was born September 15, 1923 in Salina, Utah, a son of William Clayton and Dorthia Ellen Poulsen Gates. He married Helen Petersen, June 28, 1942 in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple August 24, 1944. She died July 24, 1947. He married Doraleen Torgerson, January 5, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple, August 8, 1998. Donald was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army in the 99th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop. He received two Purple Hearts of valor. Donald was an active member of the Salina American Legion Post #36. He was the owner and operator of Gates Excavating Company in Salina. He love to camp, hunt and fish and enjoyed raising a beautiful garden. He loved animals, especially his dog, Chipper. Donald is survived by his wife of Salina; nine children: Ronald Lloyd and Janice Gates, Coalville; Kim Donald and Ruby Gates, Salina; Gene William and Delna Gates, St. George; Scott Alvin and Penny Gates, Salina; John Randy and Sophia Gates, Lyman, Wyo; Dick Lynn and Janet Gates, Ajo, AZ; Brett Clayton and Kaelynn Gates, Salina; Susan Doraleen and Mike Faris, West Jordan; Jeffrey Charles and Tori Gates, Salina; 50 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren; sisters and brother: Barbara “Bobby” Morwood, St. George; Bryce Wm. And Roine Gates, Salt Lake City; Elna Hampton, Salina. He was preceded in death by two grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild and one brother, Phillo Gates. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2003 at 12 Noon in the Salina LDS Stake Center, 98 West 400 North in Salina. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Salina, Friday evening from 7 to 9 P.M. and at the stake center Saturday from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial with military honors accorded by the Salina American Legion Post #36 will be in the Salina Eastside Cemetery.