David Rex Gater, Sr., 80, passed away on Monday, September 11, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in Fort Wayne, IN to Alf and Grace Gater. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, horseback riding and country music.
Mr. Gater was a mechanic, long-haul truck driver, and heavy equipment operator in Arizona and Indiana until becoming the owner of Creekside Storage in Sylva, NC for the past 15 years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, along with their three children: Sharon (Scott) Holden, Sylva, NC; Dr. David (Denise) Gater, Jr., Hummelstown, PA; and Steve (Laura) Gater of Columbia City, IN, and six grandchildren: Christie Thomas, Travis Holden, Brittany (John) Hutchinson, Felicia Gater, Katie Gater, Danny Gater, and three great-grandchildren, Robert, Megan, and Brylea. Also survived by sisters-in-law Helen Gater and Sherry Harroff, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Mr. Gater was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Lowell Dean Gater.
Burial to be at Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN at a later date.