Burnell Lloyd Bernie Gates

Burnell Lloyd “Bernie” Gates, 92, of the Vineyards on Catawba, passed away, Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Stein Care Center, Sandusky, OH, with his loving family by his side.. Bernie was born on August 15, 1923 in Port Clinton, OH, the son of Harmon and Anna (Wepler) Gates. He graduated from Port Clinton High School and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Bernie was a life-long resident of Port Clinton. He owned and operated the B.L. Gates Construction Company, as both a builder and general contractor. Bernie was a member of the Elks Lodge #1718, the American Legion Post #113; Past Commodore and member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club, Past President of Rotary Club, Past President and member of Colonial Club, Past Master and member of the Oliver H. Perry Masonic Lodge #341 F. a member of the Royal Arch Masons of Sandusky, Royal and Select Masons Chapter #23, Knight Templer, Scottish Rite; Thirty Second Degree Mason; Zenobia Shrine, Royal Order of the Jesters and a member of the Ottawa County Shrine Club. Bernie was a long time member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, OH. Bernie will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Those left to cherish his memory are: Beloved Wife, M. Patricia (Cook) Gates; Daughters: Sandra Householder & Diane Margulies; Step-Children: Deborah Luchsinger & Kirk Amidano; 5 Grandchildren & 4 Great-Grandchildren. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, daughter: Sharon Gates; brothers: Gaylen & Gordon and sister: Janice St. Marie. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00PM, Monday, June 06, 2016 at Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Clinton, OH, with a Masonic service being held at 7:30PM. Funeral service will be conducted by Reverend Dr. James Lehman at 11:00AM, Tuesday, June 07, 2016 at St. John Lutheran Church, 207 Adams St., Port Clinton, OH 43452. Interment will be in Catawba Island Cemetery, Port Clinton, OH. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Bernie may be given to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or St. John Lutheran Church, 207 Adams St., Port Clinton, OH 43452. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.