William P. Gates

William P. Gates, 74, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully Saturday March 8, 2025 at his home. Bill was born June 11, 1950 in Battle Creek, the son of Kenneth and Beatrice (Dumonceaux) Gates. He was a graduate of Galesburg-Augusta High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served in the Air Force Reserves. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Schieber on October 4, 1975. He began a career with Canteen Services in Galesburg and retired as a supervisor after 30 years of service. Not one to sit idle, Bill started his own business, Mobility Plus, after his retirement from Canteen Services. With Mobility Plus, he repaired medical equipment for disabled veterans throughout the area. He retired in December, 2023 after transitioning his business to his son, Brian. Bill was a man of many talents and was an accomplished craftsman. He enjoyed woodworking, metal work and tinkering with a variety of things. He played the guitar and banjo and shared his talents with the praise band at his church, City on a Hill in Plainwell, where he and Suzanne attended for the last several years. Bill also enjoyed hunting and spending winters in Florida and Texas with Suzanne.

Bill is survived by his wife Suzanne; three sons, Christopher (Sandra) Gates, Scott (Jessi) Gates and Brian (Emily) Gates; six grandchildren, Stephanie Lamb, Austin Symko, Olivia Gates, Zachery Lamb, Madison Gates and Lauren Gates; a sister, Sheryl Hoffman; his aunt, several cousins, nieces and nephews, He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Gerald Gates.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 10 – 11 AM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at City on a Hill Church, 317 12th Street, Plainwell, MI 49080, where services will be held at 11 AM. He will be laid to rest at Prairie Home Cemetery, Climax, following the service. After the committal service, a luncheon will be held at the American Legion Post 465, 6101 S. 44th Street, Climax, MI 49034. For those wishing to make a contribution in Bill’s memory, the family suggests City on a Hill Church or K9s for Warriors.