<|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|><|begin_of_text|>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;<wm> two children from a previous marriage; three grandchildren and his parents in Massachusetts. Services will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, with burial in Allentown Crematory.
He was a retired army career Air Traffic Controller and 14 year veteran of the US Army Air Corps, prior to being honorably discharged. Also a veteran of the US Army Air Corps.
He enjoyed playing golf, a favorite game of golfing.
He served as the Commander of the US Army Air Corps during the</wm> time of the fall of the South Vietnam war; Airman, the Colonel's unit was awarded many