Wayne Joseph Gates

He was born in Frugality, Pa., son of the late Stella and Kenneth Gates.

He was also preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Cyrus Gates; and an infant son, Kenneth Charles Gates.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Jean (Rourk) Gates; his children: Dewayne Gates, Craig Schneider and Jeneen (Gates) Hartz; four grandchildren; three great-grandsons; his sisters: Colleen (Gates) Minori, JoAnn (Gates) Minori and Marian (Gates) Mentch; and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne proudly served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant.

A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, July 13, 2026, at Bob Hope Village Chapel in Fort

Walton Beach, Fla., followed by an 11:30 a.m. graveside service at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.