Melvin Gates left this world on Oct. 16, 2024, at Colorado Veterans Community Living Center – Homelake. Melvin was born to Herchell and Emma Gates on Dec. 27, 1931, on a ranch near Saguache, Colo.
The family soon moved to Summitville, Colo., where he and his two brothers had the time of their lives growing up. Melvin’s family later moved to Del Norte, Colo., so the boys could continue their education. While attending Del Norte High School, Melvin met his wife of 70 years, Barbara.
Upon graduation, Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. McGowan, where he spent considerable time off the coast of Korea. The Korean Government recently presented Melvin with an ambassador for Peace Medal, which he was quite proud of.
Melvin operated a dragline business for years. Cleaning and digging fishponds, ditches, and driving bridge pilings. Melvin enjoyed hunting, camping, watching football, tinkering in his shop and family time.
Melvin was preceded in death by parents Herchell and Emma Gates, brothers Martin and Dell, son Micheal, great grandsons Oryan Bone and Rowen Vanderpool.
Melvin is survived by wife Barbara, son Mark, daughter Shelby (Danny) Vanderpool, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
A Celebration of life will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Pioneer United Church located on 630 Spruce St. in Del Norte, Colo.
The family would like to thank the staff of Homelake for the loving care of our Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather!
Arrangements in care by Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.