Earl Howard Gates Jr.'s Obituary
Earl Howard "Chick" Gates Jr., age 81 of Rehoboth Beach, DE, after a battle with COPD, suddenly passed away on Saturday, December 18, 2021, after an emergency at Beebe Healthcare, in Lewes, DE. He was born on July 17, 1940, in West Chester, PA, son of the late Earl Howard Sr. and Jane (Fetters) Gates.
Mr. Gates proudly served in the US Navy as a teenager. He worked as a stableman and caretaker at Kirkwood Farms in Newtown Square, PA for 45 plus years. Mr. Gates was involved in the Exton, PA literacy program for over 25 years. His one and only student and friend for 25 years was Keith Smith. He loved reading, watching cooking shows, and kicking butt in trivial pursuit. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gates of West Chester, PA. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara (Potter) Gates; his sons: Steven Gates (Pamela) and Michael Gates (Trynia); his daughter, Stacey Gates Charter; his grandchildren: Steven, Bryana, Adryana Gates, Shaylyn, Patricia, and Emily Gates and Rylan Jade Charter; his great-grandchild, Liam; his sister, Susan Gates Walters; and nephews: Scott Gates (Debbie) and Richard Gates.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022, in West Chester, PA. A burial at sea will be held in the Spring of 2022.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Gates's memory to The Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA, 91365, GarySiniseFoundation.org. Honoring defenders, veterans, and first responders in need.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
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