Keith Lewis Gathers

Finally whole again, at rest and in peace, Keith was reunited with the love of his life, Helen Louise (nee Hitz) on July 14, 2010. Born October 7, 1922 in Clarion to the late Glenn E. and Adda E. Gathers.

Keith was raised on Morse Avenue, graduated from Academy H.S. in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army 1942-1946. Upon discharge, he earned a Diploma from Erie Business College which opened opportunities to work in several areas of finance. Keith was also quite mechanically inclined and was the consummate 'go-to' guy for repair and building projects. That passion led him to take on ownership of South Gate Hardware & Supply in 1965 which remains in operation today. Having constructed by hand their first home shortly after marriage in 1947, Keith and Helen built the current store building as well as a new home nearby. Keith and Helen enjoyed impromptu daytrips around the tri-state area and always managed an annual getaway to Arizona or Florida. Golf was Keith's late in-life passion and he was grateful for every invitation to play a course.

Besides his parents and wife, Keith was preceded in death by his sister, Romayne Peterson and brother, Leonard Dale. He leaves to cherish his memory, a son, Jeffrey J. of Erie, daughter, Gail Justi (Larry) of E. Fallowfield, PA, beloved granddaughter Kelly Alexis Campbell and common law spouse Mark Jeremiah, great grandchildren Logan and Madison of Oakville, ON, his brother Glen Gathers (Pat) of McKean and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt and Son Funeral Home Inc. 5000 Wattsburg Rd. (corner of East Gore and Pine Ave.) on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service there at 11 a.m. Private inurnment in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the Erie City Mission (1023 French St. Erie, PA 16501) would be greatly appreciated.

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