Larry Lee Gates

Larry L. Gates, affectionately known as “Gator”, age 87, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 11, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi in Wichita, Kansas. Larry was born at his childhood home near Jamestown, KS on December 10, 1937, a son of Ray and Julia (Hinson) Gates. He attended school in Jamestown and graduated from Concordia High School with the class of 1955. Larry was a high school athlete playing football and baseball, enjoyed slow pitch softball as an adult and later became an umpire. One of his great sports passions was bowling for many teams in McPherson and was later inducted into their Hall of Fame. An award he was proud and honored to receive. Coaching his sons from T-Ball all the way through American Legion Baseball and helping coach Valerie's softball teams was always a big thrill for him. After graduation, Larry enlisted in the Navy with his twin brother Gary and was honorably discharged after 3 1/2 years holding the rank of 1st Class Petty Officer. Larry married the love of his life Ramona Mary Esquivel on June 10, 1961 in Concordia. The couple established their first home in Concordia. This union was blessed with the birth of 3 children, Valerie, Ray and James. Once returning to Concordia following his service in the Navy, he worked for Bogaarts grocery store in the market department. He quickly moved up to Store Market Manager and relocated to Columbus, Nebraska, then on to Goodland, Kansas and finally McPherson, Kansas. Larry worked in the grocery business for more than 40 years. Larry lived a life full of laughter, love and loyalty. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Larry was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he enjoyed being an usher. He was also a member of the Elks Club and the American Legion. Larry loved all sports but was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals, KU Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. For many years he attended the Royals Home Opener every year with family and friends. He kept track of the final score and highlights of every Royals game since 1975 in his little calendar books. His story was published in the McPherson Centennial which he was very proud of. He is survived by his son, Ray Gates (Debra) of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Deborah Gates, Michael Wilson, and Matt Wilson of McPherson; and many great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ramona; daughter, Valerie; son, James; sister, Velma; brothers, Duane and Gary; and his best friend, Jim Fendt. In celebration of Larry's remarkable life, a visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins funeral home. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the funeral home with Father Michael Kerschen officiating. Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery followed by a lunch at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 520 E Northview Ave, McPherson. In honor of Larry's love for all sports, the family asks that you please wear your favorite sports team attire. Memorial contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels of McPherson, or McPherson County Community Foundation ℅ the Valerie Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund and can be sent to Glidden-Ediger-Wiggins Funeral Home, 222 W. Euclid St, McPherson, KS 67460.

Larry Lee Gates

December 10, 1937 - July 11, 2025