Phillip E. Gates

Phillip E. Gates, 83, of Olean passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at the Kings Daughters Hospital in Madison. He was born in Muncie on July 10, 1937 the son of Harold and Florence McDonald Gates. He was married to Sharon Sue Voiles on September 4, 1970 and his wife of 50 years survives. Other survivors include two sons, Terry (Ruby) Gates of Denver, Colorado and Larry Gates of Muncie; one daughter Jill (Kevin) McCutchens of Houston, Texas; two step-sons, Tom (Ida) Stark and Steven (Mary) Stark both of Muncie; one step-daughter Traci (Bob) Haase of Manistee, Michigan; 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; one sister Sharon (Wayman) Barlow of Muncie. He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-son Russ Stark and his brother Frank.

Mr. Gates worked for Pepsi-Cola in Muncie for 19 years as a bottle manager. Upon he and Sharon’s move to Olean, he worked for US Shoe in Osgood and also for Carl Dyer’s Moccasins in Friendship for 17 years. Phil was a master builder and mechanic, having restored 13 Model A Fords over the years and he had also built muzzle loading rifles. Several championships at the NMLRA in Friendship had been won with guns Phil had built. He also enjoyed hunting and trapping. Phil was a member of the Bear Creek Baptist Church in Friendship and the NMLRA. Phil’s wishes were to be cremated and their will be no services. The Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles is in charge of arrangements.