William F. Gates, Sr.
William F. Gates, Sr., 92, of Merriam, passed away peacefully Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at Trinity Nursing and Rehab.
Bill was born November 29, 1919, to the late William and Mary Gates inKansas City, Kansas. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served as the Helmsman for the USS La Porte in the south Pacific during World War II.
After returning from the service he married Frances L. Casida on November 29, 1945. She preceded him in death after 62 years of marriage in June 2008. Bill retired form the Bendix Corporation in 1985 as a model maker after 35 years of service.
He is survived by his two sons, William Gates, Jr. and wife Catherine and David Gates and wife Carol; his daughter Gail Worden; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Visitation and Graveside Service
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Graveside service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Stanley, Kansas
Memorial Contributions
The family suggests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Care Alternatives, 1420 NW Vivion Road, Suite 105, Kansas City, Missouri 64118 or to The Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.
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Our Family is our legacy and yours is special in David, Carol, Josh , Megan and Hayden. Ours prayers are for them as you held such a very special place in their hearts and you will be missed God has given us no greater gift than our loved ones, and may He bless and keep them as you go to His Home.
Bill, you may not remember me. My name was Cheri Cornett and we lived at the corner of 53rd & Hayes (the mouse house) – if you remember that!
I am so very sorry to read of the passing of your Dad, Bill. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you as you honor your Dad.
We had some great times in the old neighborhood – alot of wonderful memories.
May all of you find comfort in the closeness of your family and friends – even “old” ones!
Many Blessings,
Cheri
Bill & Cathy, we are sorry to hear of the loss of your father. We are grateful for his military service to our country. Tom & Kali Standish
I have wonderful childhood memories of our neighborhood. Wouldn’t trade them for any other. Playing in our yard or in Gates field. Gebhardt’s, Gates, Ebberts, Boans, Goodwins, Bales, White, and Harrington’s and don’t forget the Upton’s. Just found out last night that Mr. Gates passed and didn’t know about Frances. You move out of town and you hear nothing. So sorry for your loss. Would have loved to see you all. May you parents rest in peace. Mom is also 92 and still kicking. I feel as though she thinks she is ready to go, but it will still be a very sad day when it comes way too soon. Take care. Thinking of you all!!!
Dear Bill and Katy and Family,
We are sad to hear of your dad’s passing. We know how you feel and will keep you in our prayers. Remember sometimes when your heart breaks only God can fix it.
Sincerely,
John and Eva Shatto