HERBERT GRANT GATES

Final Flight on November 24, 2013

Herbert Grant Gates, Major, USAF (Retired)

October 03, 1931 - November 24, 2013

Herbert Gates

Major Herbert Grant Gates, USAF (Ret), 82, born in Kansas City, MO. and raised in Nevada, MO. passed peacefully at 4pm, on Sunday, the 24th of November 2013, in Springfield, MO., with all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered, in love and honor, at his side.

Herbert's US Air Force career began at Misawa AFB in Honshu, Japan. There, as a young helicopter pilot of the 38th Air Rescue Squadron, a 24 year old 1st Lieutenant saved the lives of 14 Japanese sailors, the entire crew of a sinking vessel during a typhoon and tsunami. Lowering his copilot to the ship to help the sailors onto the hoist, Herbert made 15 turns from the ship to shore until every man was safe. He was honored with four medals from the government of Japan. This initial act of daring and courage marked the beginning of a lifetime dedicated to rescue, safety, and protection, nurtured in military service and practiced his entire life as the champion and hero of his family and friends.

During his flight training, Herbert and his class were asked for volunteers to train in a new type of aircraft. Every single man raised his hand. The aircraft was the helicopter. He was decorated numerous times throughout his service. His Vietnam decorations included the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with multiple oak leaf clusters. What he preferred to talk about was the pleasure it gave him to organize charity from home for the Tuey Hua locals. As a member of the 1st Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, in our nation's capital, it was his extreme honor to provide airlift for the Executive Department, high-ranking dignitaries, and distinguished visitors. His final assignment, as Commander of the 353rd at Whiteman AFB, was patrolling above our Nation's weapons in the heart of America.

Herb delighted in and cared for his one true love, Jacqueline Joan Oliphant, until she passed in May of 2008. He was her everything 'til the very end and he missed her every day since, until he now joins her.

He was also preceded in death by his father Herbert Graham Gates, his mother Neta Lucille Neff (Gates, Cornelius), and his step father "Doc" Cornelius, the latter two of whom he and his wife Jackie personally cared for until their deaths. Also predeceased were his niece Kelly Herbert and his cousin Neta Suzanne Neff.

He is survived by his three children, Cynthia May (husband Robert Mancuso), Douglas William, and Sally Ellen (husband Clay Frisbie); his five grandchildren Joann Elise Sutton, Janie Lynn (husband Jacob Schlueter), Cally Rae (husband Thomas Lampe), Cassi Ellen Rose (husband Tyler Moore) and Grant Clayton; his six great-grandchildren Andrew Michael, Michael David, Seaana Jacqueline, Madalyn May, Sophia Ellen and Roman Thomas. Also surviving are sister-in-law Roberta Lee Oliphant (Herbert, Schnell), his niece Debbie and nephews Billy and Brad.

Herbert said all he wanted to do since he was a child was fly, and he would have done it for nothing if the Air Force had wanted him to. He loved golfing, building and flying model airplanes, puzzles, wood working, Jeopardy!, traveling, and sight-seeing. He shared all these with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Herbert Grant Gates: A Veteran of the United States Air Force and a Veteran of a Life Well Lived. Mission Accomplished, Sir!

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 3, 2013, at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.

Herbert was profoundly affected by the fact that not everyone had as fortunate a life as he was blessed with. He donated regularly to several charitable organizations. He and his family would be deeply honored if, instead of flowers, you would make a donation to your own trusted charity.

GUEST BOOK

December 30, 2013

My sympathies in the passing of a great helicopter pilot and a great guy. I had the pleasure of serving with your Dad at Andrews AFB in the 1st Heli Sq.in the late 60's/early 70's. Always a smile or a joke but Herbie was , at his heart, a terrific helicopter pilot.

~

Don Morrissey, Gilford, New Hampshire

December 20, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear dad. As I remember, he always had a smile on his face, and usually something humorous to say. He and my dad had some memorable adventures at Whiteman when they worked together. We looked forward every year to his hilarious notes he included with his Christmas cards. He had a way with words! My thoughts are with all of you. I feel sure my dad welcomed him with a cup of cheer when he passed. My thoughts are with all of you.

~

Kathy Leonard Lillard, Radford, Virginia

~

Ronda Schauer, Springfield, Missouri

December 03, 2013

May the lord give all the the famlily peace .. to go forward. he was such a loving man , and a father to all that ever meet him , he will be missed greatly my prayers go out to you're family .. he had a heart of GOLD , he was a fun to be a around , take care and god bless you all...!!

~

December 01, 2013

Prayers go out to family and friends of Mr. Gates.

~

Skyler and Darlene Deckard, Springfield, Missouri

November 30, 2013

We are sorry to hear of Grant's passing, he will be surely missed, however, he is at peace, a great guy. Thinking of you with Love & prayers.

~

Eileen & Joe Neff

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~