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University of Illinois

Mahlon Gates Obituary

GATES
Mahlon Eugene "Ink" Gates was born in Tyrone, PA, Aug. 21, 1919 and died Oct. 17, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas. Graduate U.S. Military Academy, West Point 1942; University of Illinois, M/S, Civil Eng, 1948; Harvard, Advanced Mgmt 1965; U.S. Army Schools and Colleges, World War II, India-Burma Theater; 1945-47, Manhattan Engineer Dist., Oak Ridge, Tenn.; 1945-June 1947, Armed Forces Special Weapons Project, Wash. D.C.; 1948-1952; Engr Bat. Europe 1953-1954; SHAPE Hqs, Paris 1956-57; JCS (Pentagon) 1957-60; Iran 1960-61; Army Personnel Directorate 1962-64; Army General Staff 1964-66. CG Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam 1966-67; CG Dept of Defense Construction Program, VietNam 1967, CG Army Safeguard Logistics Command, Deputy Dir. R&D Army Material Command. Retired 1972 Bronze Star Medal 1946, Distinguished Service Medal 1967, Legion of Merit 1972. Manager Nevada Operations Office, Department of Energy, Las Vegas, NV, 1972-83. Served briefly as Acting Asst Secretary of Energy, Washington D.C. Led US Science Team to N.W. Territories during recover for crashed nuclear Russian satellite, 1978. Founder of US Nuclear Search Team (NEST) now protecting our Country from nuclear terrorists. Director, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Established Southern Nevada Federal Executive Association; Director, Nevada Development Authority, Advisory Board, Desert Research Institute, Un. of Nevada, Organizer Continental National Bank, Las Vegas, NV; Past President Boulder Dam Area Council Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award; past Chairman Advisory Board Clark Country Community Colleges. Administrator of the Year, American Society of Public Administration; Department of Energy's Outstanding Service Award and Meritorious Executive Award. Senior Executive Service Distinguished Executive Award. Sr. Vice President, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas 1982-89, Member Rotary International; Harvard Breakfast Club; Majestic Club (a founder); K Supper Club; Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Civil Engineering, Director USAA Bank Board. He leaves his devoted wife of 36 years, Esther B. Campbell Gates; four children: Larry Alan Gates, wife Jayme; daughters, Pamela Townley Gates, Susan Van Dyke, husband George; Judy Campbell Campbell, husband Richard. Six grandchildren; Keith Richard Campbell, wife Alice; Kimberlee Bullock, husband Joel; Erika Moe, husband Ryan; Keisha Burgess, husband Douglas, Sally Lawrence Gates; Emily Grimm, husband Daniel; eight great-grandchildren and his devoted caregiver, Rosella Munoz. Ink's service will be held, Friday, October 24th at 10:00 a.m. at the Post "Gift" Chapel, 1605 Wilson, SA TX 78234, at Fort Sam Houston. Picture ID required for entry to the Post. Internment with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 11:30 AM followed by a reception at THE TOWERS, 1 Towers Park Lane outside the North Gate of Fort Sam Houston (off Harry Wurzbach) on the first floor. Parking is limited. Car-pooling is recommended. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Antonio Express-News on Oct. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Mahlon Gates

16 Entries

Mary & Aage Holst

November 21, 2008

Dear Esther Gates and family.
It was with great sorrow we recceived the message that Ink has passed away. Ink was a great man and he made a great impression to all of us. We visited the Ink family in 1989 an it was an unforgettable experience to meet the American kindness and hospitality. We returned to Denmark with a lot of memories. We wish and hope the family come througt the hard time efter Ink passes away.
The best wishes for the future.

Mary & Aage Holst

November 21, 2008

Dear Esther Gates and family.
It was with great sorrow we received the massage that Ink has passed away. Ink was a great man and he made a great impression to all of us. We visited the Ink family for the first time in 1989 an it was an unforgettable experience to meet the Amderican kindness and hospilality. We returned to Denmark with a lot af memories. We wish and hope the family will get through the hard time after Ink pased away. The best wishes for the future.

Sandra Weber

November 11, 2008

Ink was always a friend to me. I will miss seeing His wonderful smile and booming, happy greeting around the Towers.

Emma Durazzo

November 10, 2008

My condolences to the family. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to personally meet this great soldier and stateman; however, through Mrs. Gates and her daughter, Judy, I have been privileged to learn and share in the outstanding career of GEN Gates. The General will be missed. Americas has lost a great hero. As a former military officer, I salute him and honor his service to our country. I further thank Mrs. Gates and the General for accepting me as part of their family.

Michael Patterson

November 8, 2008

Although I did not get to meet General Gates, I was fortunate enough to know Mrs. Gates, albeit through the Internet, for many years now, and to know, both in person and via the Internet, their daughter, Judy. Through those contacts I came to know what a wonderful person General Gates was. He was not only a fine soldier but also a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the safety of the Nation that he loved cannot ever be over estimated. He was certainly a member of "The Greatest Generation" and we shall not see his kind again in our lifetimes.

Lynne joins me in extending our deepest and heartfelt condolences to all of the General's family, friends and colleagues on his passing. Please know that he is in a special place at the right hand side of God because that is where special soldiers like him are assigned.

Michael & Lynne Patterson

Tim and Erin Shook

October 24, 2008

Erin and I had the pleasure of first meeting Ink and Mom Gates at the 173rd Airborne's Ft. Worth reunion in 2001. Since then we have flown out to visit Ink and Mom Gates several times, each one more special then the last. Ink we will truly miss your humor and wisdom. General, I will personally have a toast in your honor today, thank you for your friendship, you have truly inspired both us. Mom Gates our thoughts, prayers and LOVE are with you in a very special way today. Tim and Erin

Isabella Brown (AYS)

October 23, 2008

My condolence to you Mrs. Gates, Mr. Gates was a very sweet person, the Bravest of the Brave.
The gates of Heaven have opened and embraced him .
May Peace Be With Him.

Ed & Hope Fernandez

October 23, 2008

He was a great man who this Country will dearly miss. We offer our condolences to "Mom" and all the family.

Anders Holst

October 23, 2008

My "backup" grandpa was the most interesting man I have ever meet. I was so fascinated of his life and what he had experienced. Everytime we talked I really enjoyed it.

The first time I meet him was back in 88" when grandma & grandpa visited Keisha in DK. In 89" my family and I was in USA and we were out eating with the whole family and he showed me a trick - or not so much a trick. It was more making a fork fly acroos the table - but it was so funny. Last time I saw him was in 98" I was visiting grandma & grandpa with Keisha and Doug and Erica also. I remember that we were all sitting around him while he was telling a story - and we all just listened.
Later that evening I walked around looking at all the pictures of him and all the medals and I couldn't even imagine what he had experienced.

These are the things that I remember of him. He was the kindest man and I will miss him..

Erika Moe

October 22, 2008

How lucky we were to have been so close to such an amazing person. Pop-pop's sense of humor, intelligence and selflessness will remain with us always. We are at peace knowing you are in heaven. We love you and miss you tons. Erika, Ryan and Carolyn

David Espino MD

October 22, 2008

The General was a very special man. A very sweet gentleman. I will miss him very much. You are in my prayers.

Joel Bullock

October 22, 2008

Of the several times that I was around Ink Gates, he impressed upon me to be a strong man of stature, but mostly a devoted family man and generous person. One always wishes for more chances to visit and get to know. I certainly do. He was always welcoming, and along with Esther I always felt comfortable, and at home when I came to visit with Kimberlee. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family, and friends during this difficult time of loss. He's in God's hands now though, and there is just no better place to be.

Major Frank C, Stolz

October 22, 2008

I knew General Gates for 30 plus years, and only now am I begining to understand all of his true accomplishments and service to our nation. A WWI and Vietnam Veteran he gave all he could give in times of conflict and then set about to run the most key programs that provided for the future defense of our nation. A true gentleman and officer, and he will be sorely missed by many. Frank C. Stolz

Ross Amick

October 22, 2008

One Sunday morning long ago, Keisha told me that one of her Grandpa's favorite hymns is the hymn that begins, "Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates; behold the King of glory waits!" Mahlon was indeed a mighty Gates. He touched so many lives and left a legacy that will continue to inspire his friends and family. Right now, his head is lifted high and he is beholding the King of glory. I can only imagine what he must be experiencing right now.

It is so hard to say "farewell" to the people we love. Life just doesn't seem right without them. Comfort comes from knowing that death does not get the final word. Remember Jesus's words, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Until that day, we can lean on each other, love one another and live these lives of ours to the fullest.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judy Campbell

October 22, 2008

One person and so many military and civilian accomplishments in your life, but to us the most outstanding is that of husband and father. Our Country has lost another fine soldier from the “Greatest Generation”, but also a model Husband and Father. May you rest in His Everlasting Arms.
Love,
Richard and Judy

Reece Lusk

October 22, 2008

My family’s thoughts and prayers go out to Esther and family for your loss. I truly enjoyed the several times I talked to "Ink" in the past two years. He was a remarkable man and true patriot to our country.

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