Ronald C. Gates Ronald C. Gates, age 70, of Troy, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Dayton VA Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio. He was born on June 2, 1940 in Troy, to the late Robert C. and Anna Bell Kauffman Gates. He is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law: Chad and Sonya Phillippi of Piqua, Ohio and Robin Gates of Kettering, Ohio; two daughters, Tami Neal and Stacy Cantrell both of Troy; seven grandchildren, Jordan, Dillon and Caden Phillipi, Breanna Cooley, Morgan and Audrey Neal and Wesley Gates; sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Art West of Troy; brother, John Gates of Troy; longtime companion, Charlotte Epley of Troy; close friend, Jan Hunt; and many Aunts Uncles, Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Madison Cooley. The family would like to give special thanks to the VA Hospital and American Nursing. Mr. Gates was a graduate of Troy High School. He was a US Marine Corps Veteran having served in the Vietnam War and was awarded four Purple Hearts. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 5436 and Redmens Club, Troy. He also loved to golf. Mr. Gates retired from Piqua Memorial Hospital and Upper Valley Medical Center, Troy and was formerly employed with Dinner Bell Foods. Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 at Baird Funeral Home, Troy. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Troy, with military honors at the graveside. Friends may call from 10:00AM to 12noon on Tuesday at the funeral home. Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.