Richard Lee Gates

Richard Lee “Rich” Gates was born August 20, 1929, near Burr Oak, Kansas, the only child of John C. and Elta (VanMeter) Gates, and died April 22, 2007, at his home at the age of 77 years, 8 months, and 2 days.

Richard attended Burr Oak Grade School, graduating from Burr Oak High School and attended Kansas Wesleyan University, Salina, Kansas. On October 15, 1950, he married Camelia “Cam” Cochran. Four children were born to this union. June 26, 1951, “Rich” as he was familiarly known enlisted in the Navy which he served four years in Japan and aboard the U.S.S. Estes. After his discharge from the Navy, he farmed several years, and then went into the fertilizer and chemical business for the next 35 years.

Rich enjoyed square dancing, calling dances and most of all enjoyed teaching square dancing for over 20 years. He and Cam spent many weekends camping at the lake and traveling with the camper. The last six summers were spent at Harlan Lake serving as camp host. Genealogy was a passion. He spent many hours researching family history.

Rich was a very devoted and loving husband, father, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was a lifetime member of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church, a Sunday School teacher, a 4-H leader, belonged to the American Legion Post 263 at Burr Oak, and the VFW of Mankato. Rich was recognized in May 2006 for playing “Taps” at the Burr Oak Cemetery for fifty consecutive years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Lorie Waugh on August 15, 2006.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Cam of 56 years; two daughters – Cathy and husband, Kent Chase, Joni and husband, Jesse Latham, all of Republic, Kansas; one son – Byron and wife, Theresa Gates of Hastings, Nebraska; son-in-law – Gerry Waugh of Mankato, Kansas; grandchildren – Michelle Ricketts of Arkansas, Dawn and husband, Dan Morley of Belleville, Kansas, Cory and wife Wendy Pettit of Clay Center, Kansas, Kerry Waugh of Manhattan, Kansas, Ryan Waugh of Mankato, Kansas, John and Emily Gates of Hastings, Nebraska, Lesley Latham of Lawrence, Kansas, and Robin Latham of Republic, Kansas; and other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, April 26, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastor Dan Dempsey officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Diana Dethloff, organist, and Mrs. Wendy Pettit, soloist. Military Honors were presented by United States Navy Reserve and American Legion Post No. 263, Burr Oak, Kansas. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the family and charities will be determined at a later date. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.