Lester "Knobby" Gates

Lester R. "Knobby" Gates, age 92, of West Jefferson, OH, peacefully passed away early morning, Friday, September 1, 2017 at Riverside Hospital. He was born June 1, 1925 to Delbert and Laura (Taylor) Gates of Beallsville, OH and was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Irma Riley; and brothers, Roy and Carl Gates. He graduated from Beallsville High School and Franklin University. Lester was a proud WWII Veteran, serving as a Cpl. in Co. "A" 174th Engineer Combat Battalion in the Pacific Theater. Lester retired from General Motors with 37 years of service. A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, he spent the last 47 years as a member of the West Jefferson Church of Christ. He was the cofounder of the West Jefferson Athletic Booster Club; the manager of the Metro=Nomes Soul Band of West Jefferson; a Life Member of American Legion, Post 201 and VFW Post 7005, both of West Jefferson. He is survived by his wife Betty Jones, whom he married on February 7, 1948; children, Dennis (Sandra) Gates, Larry (Lisa) Gates, and Kathy (Billy) Williamson. Other survivors include grandchildren, Heather Saddler, Matthew (Nicole) Gates, Zachary (Jaime) Gates, Tara Gates, and Adam Williamson; great grandchildren, Jessica, Ethan, Samantha, Drake, Megan, Lillian, Scarlett, and Annie; 3 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Friends may call Wednesday, September 6, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the RADER-MCDONALD-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 1355 West Main St. in West Jefferson, OH, where funeral service will be Thursday, September 7, 2017 at 11 a.m. Richard Riley officiating. Interment Hampton Cemetery, West Jefferson, OH.