Alan P. Gates

Alan Phelps Gates, 82, of Columbus passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023. He was born October 30, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Harry P. Gates and Phyllis C. Lambert. Alan is a 1959 graduate of Springfield South High School in Springfield, Ohio and attended Purdue University, graduating in 1963 with a degree in Pharmacy. Alan served in the United States Army during Vietnam from 1966-1968 at Fort Ritchie, Maryland. Alan worked as a Pharmacist for Big Bear Stores and Harts for 30 years. He enjoyed being of service to people, so he was also in the Hilltop Kiwanis Club for over 30 years. During that time, he served 2 terms as President, 1 term as Lt. Governor, and established the Key Club at West High School where he served as Kiwanis Advisor. He enjoyed serving others and being around people. Alan was married to the love of his life Sharon A. Akers for 51 years. Alan and Sharon are the parents of Pamela (Eric) Seeley, Amanda Gates, David Gates, Cynthia (Mike) Cullen and Phillip (Laura) Gates; 8 grandchildren, Grayson Gates, Makenna (Zarek) Metz, Kersten Seeley, and Sean Seeley, Chase Cullen, Colton Gates, Maxwell Gates, and Mason Gates; 3 nieces and nephews, Trisha (Chris) Schweitzer, Marcia (Ernest) Sink, and Robert (Teresa) Gates; 8 great-nieces and nephews. Alan is preceded in death by his wife Sharon A. Gates and brother William L. Gates. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 8, 2023 at Schoedinger Grove City, 4242 Hoover Rd., (HOOVER RD AT KINGSTON AVE), Grove City where funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday (View live webcast of his funeral here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMTczMzAwNjI4NDE5MyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==). Interment with military honors will follow at Sunset Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Alan's name to Alzheimer's Foundation of America or the Hilliard Kiwanis Club c/o the Scholarship Foundation. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.