Delton Mcmurray Gates

September 13, 1920 –March 21, 2016

Delton McMurray Gates passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Calabasas, CA. He was 95. Predeceased by his wife Barbara of 48 years, he is survived by daughters Lora (Charles) and Sally (Donald), six grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Born and raised in Akron Ohio, Delton graduated from Kent State University, after serving in the Navy during WWII. Upon enlisting in 1942, he was assigned to Lakehurst Naval Air Station, 4th Division Airship Overhaul. Having grown up in the virtual shadow of Goodyear-Zeppelin Airships, he was no stranger to the capabilities and benefits of Lighter Than Air (LTA). He often said how fortunate he was to have been assigned to a Navy K-Ship.

Delton returned to Goodyear (where he achieved a Class A Welder certificate prior to the war) to work as a development Engineer and Pilot. Highlighting his time at Goodyear, was bringing the Airship Enterprise to Southern California where he met is lovely wife, Barbara.

During a distinguished career of over 34 years of service to his country, Delton worked on the Mark 46 Torpedo Program with the Department of Navy, Bureau of Weapons Anti-Submarine Warfare, and the United States Department of Defense.

Able to discuss nearly any subject, and known to many as the “smartest man in the world”, he was well read and often ordered library books even the librarian had to search to find. Most important to Delton was family. He taught us to laugh and work together, to be responsible, to strive for perfection, to be curious, to travel, the joy of chocolate and coffee, and he gave us the gift of family stories and history. He was our Dad and our Papa, a treasured friend and he will be missed.

Funeral Services will be held on March 30th at St. Mary the Virgin Church 22601 Lassen St. Chatsworth, at 1 pm. Burial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.