Donald G. Gates

Donald G. Gates, 80, of Grafton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. He was born in Norwalk on May 22, 1946 to parents John and Dorothy (nee: Schaefer). Don enjoyed his work at The Ford Motor Company for nearly 40 years. When not at work, Don and his wife of nearly 60 years, Diane, enjoyed working in their yard, showing their dogs and riding their horses.

Survivors include his wife, Diane (nee: Dempsey); son, John (Karen); brother, Doug (Sandra); special nephew, Bob Burkhart, and numerous other nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Burkhart (Jim), Debbie Erne (Tom) and Margaret Hite (Tim). He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Donald Dempsey (Linda). A private burial at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Monroeville, Ohio will take place at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com. Arrangements entrusted to Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria.

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