Rex W. Gates Obituary (1934 - 2025)

Rex W. Gates, 91, of Penn Twp. passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born to William and Mildred Gates. Rex retired from Armco Butler Works after 41 years of service. He was a member of Butler Armco Employee Association and a charter member of Armco Country Club. Rex golfed and bowled on several area leagues, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking, skiing, gardening, flowers, and birds. He was a member of Thorn Creek United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School for thirteen years. In his later years he attended Community Alliance Church. He was treasurer and member of the Hemlock Hunting Camp. Rex graduated from Butler High School in 1951 and attended Butler Community College. He was a former member of the Saxonburg and Prospect Volunteer Fire Department. Rex is survived by his wife of 71 years, Sally Gates; son, Darrell (Randy) Gates; daughters, Darlene (Paul) Clark and Dena (Bill) Hochbein; grandchildren, Shawnda, Molly, Brett, Bryan, and Matthew; 13 great grandchildren, and sister, Sondra Grossman. Rex had a special love for his family and God. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Willis Gates and Gary Gates and one sister, Glenna Lou Franko. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to His Kids Christian School at 650 Saxonburg Road, Butler, PA 16002 or St. Jude Children's Hospital at stjude.org. All services will be held privately. Arrangements entrusted to Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North Street, Butler, PA 16001. All who knew Rex are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com