Wesley L. GATES, 67, of Scio, NY, died Wednesday, September 9, 2026, in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville. 

Born November 4, 1958, in Olean, he was the son of Donald Vaughn and Ethyl May Cleveland Gates. He was married to Laurie May Hanigan, who predeceased him on August 19, 2007. A graduate of Scio Central School, he was employed as an auto mechanic by Bill Luke Dodge in Pheonix, AZ and Paul Brown Motors in Olean. Wes enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren, his dogs, fishing, riding motorcycle, and working on cars. 

Surviving are: six children, Keith Peterson of WA, Alicia (Joss) Conner of Olean, Michael Cunha of Olean, Robbie (Cassie) Hulbert of Olean, Harlan Gates of Scio, and Wesley Gates Jr. of Scio; eleven grandchildren, Haylie, Sydney, Zoey, Jacy, Addy, Silas, Jaxon, Mason, Cadence, Tyler, and Michael; 14 siblings, Dan Gates, Aaron Gates, Deanna White, Cathy (Bobby) Kaiser, Julie Taylor, Trina Collins, Dharla Gates, Cherrie Hubert, Tina Straight, Carol (Paul) Low, Tammy Straight, Amy (Matthew) Wilhelm, Carol (William) McNamara, and Alana (Eric Fink) Gates; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Eric Gates; and his stepmother, Patience E. Gates. 

Friends may call at Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Knights Creek Church, 2987 County Road 9, Scio, NY 14880. Rev. Carl Kemp will officiate. Burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery, Scio. 

Memorials may be made to the family. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.