Robert "Flip" E. Gates

Robert E. Gates, 65, Altoona, passed away Friday at UPMC Altoona.

Known as Flip, he was born in Massachusetts, son of the late Patricia Gates. He married Cindy Thompson.

Surviving are his wife; two daughters: Heather Cramer (Laramy) of Coalport and Jessica Gates of Altoona; two sisters: Cheryl McKeen in Florida and Carol Martin of Indiana, Pa.; his mother-in-law, Joan Thompson; an aunt, Sandy Martin in Tennessee; and a granddaughter, Anna Cramer.

Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a lance corporal. He retired from the Altoona Hospital Police Department with 38 years of service and also worked part-time for the Williamsburg Police Department. He was a member of Wehnwood United Methodist Church.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, in the Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home, 1520 Fourth St., Altoona, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at the Wehnwood United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, at the church, with full military honors. Interment will be at Canoe Creek Cemetery.

In memory of Bob, memorial contributions may be made to the Central Pennsylvania Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.

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