Obituary

Charles Bernard Gates III, known to family and friends as Bernard, age 74, of Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, surrounded by his family in the ICU at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Bernard was born on October 19, 1951, to Charles B. Gates Jr. and Katherine Ann (Hall) Gates. He was a member of the Kanawha United Presbyterian Church. He graduated from The Gow School in South Wales, New York, and attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. After college, he returned to his family’s roots, working on the Hulland Ranch in Hutchinson, Kansas. He later pursued a variety of jobs and experiences before joining the Tax Department in Charleston, West Virginia, where he worked for 15 years until his retirement.

Bernard was a man of many interests. An avid movie buff, he enjoyed films and shared his enthusiasm with others. He was also a dedicated gun collector, a hobby that reflected his appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and collecting.

Above all, Bernard cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marsha (Poffenbarger) Gates; his children, Emily Gates (Todd), Heather Gates, and Christopher Gates (Amber); his stepson, Tripp Jones (Anthony); his grandchildren, Aidan Groves, Avery Horvath (Cameron), and Chloe Gates; his sisters, Ione (Gates) Hardy (John), Ann (Gates) McCorkle (Jim), and brother-in-law, John T. Poffenbarger, Esquire, along with extended family and friends who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles B. Gates Jr.; his mother, Katherine Ann (Hall) Gates; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Arthur L. Poffenbarger.

Bernard will be remembered for his love of family, his passions, and the lasting memories he created with those who knew and loved him.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the ICU nursing staff at Herbert J. Thomas Memorial Hospital, the nursing staff of Centerwell Home Health, and his good friend, Kasey Walls. Their unwavering dedication allowed Bernard’s final days to be peaceful and free of pain.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to WVU Medicine Thomas Memorial Hospital at 4605 MacCorkle Avenue SW, South Charleston, WV 25309 and the Kanawha United Presbyterian Church at 1009 Virginia Street E, Charleston, WV 25301.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.