Duane Gates

Duane left on a fishing trip this July 6th with his Father. He left behind his beloved wife Darlene and his greatest regret on leaving this Earth is not being able to play golf with Andy. Duane was born in Delphos, KS on 9/21/1934 to Ray and Julia Gates. He is survived by his wife; sons, Steve (Tammie), Rod (Kim) and Jeff (Mike Moran); grandchildren, Zach (Danielle), Andy, Jared, Dylan, Ashley, Skyler and Tyler; sister, Velma Kelly; brother, Larry (Ramona); great-granddaughter, Tobyn Thrush. Duane was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary. Duane grew up on a farm where he learned how to run all kinds of farm equipment. He worked hard during high school, sometimes milking 11 cows morning and night, as well as farming 580 acres. He excelled in sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was given an opportunity to play professional baseball after high school, but decided to work instead. He told his dad he was not farming when he graduated. His family moved to Concordia after his graduation, where he went to work for Gambles Stores. He soon went to B. F. Goodrich and was transferred to Kansas City for managers training. When he finished training he moved to Pratt where he was very successful at running his first store. After two years he went to work for the S. A. Long Co. (prestige appliance and television distributor). Duane worked there until his kids got old enough for him to be home every night. He then managed the B. F. Goodrich store in Wichita, where he was very successful, but he longed to open his own tire and appliance store. Thus Derby Home & Auto at Georgie and Madison was built in 1969. In 1980 Duane sold his business to pursue home real estate sales, where he worked for Ray Warren, then Remax. After his career as a real estate broker, he went to work for PaineWebber, as a financial adviser in 1992, from which he retired in 1996. Duane kept busy with a multitude of interests and activities, including being active in the Optimist Club, acting as President of the Derby Chamber of Commerce (1972), being a championship winning coach of Babe Ruth Baseball, being a Shriner. He was a dedicated member at Woodlawn UMC where he wore many hats. He proudly counseled to build the high school baseball concession stand and restrooms. On top of everything he enjoyed varied hobbies, as he was an avid golfer and bass fisherman. His wife of 60 plus years, Darlene, was a very skilled nurse, without which, he would have been gone many years ago. Visitation will be at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS 67037 on July 11th from 1-8p.m. with family present from 6-8p.m. and funeral service will be July 12th at Woodlawn UMC, 431 Woodlawn Blvd., Derby, KS 67037 at 11a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Woodlawn UMC or to the Midian Shrine, 130 N. Topeka St. Wichita, KS 67202.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

11:00 AM

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