Obituary of Marvin E. Gates

Marvin E. Gates, age 67, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019.

He was born on May 30, 1951, in Garnett, Kansas, the son of John Burnett Gates and Doris (Tilton) Gates.  Marvin grew up in Garnett, graduating from Garnett High School in 1969.  After high school Marvin lived in Garnett, working as a meat cutter at the Galey Processing Plant.  He married Lena Morgan, and one daughter, Olivia, was born to this union.  They later divorced.  In 1981 Marvin moved to Lawrence.  Marvin was united in marriage to Twila Adams on February 11, 1983, in Lawrence, Kansas.  They made their home in Lawrence for the rest of Marvin’s life.  He worked as a plumber for several Lawrence companies before working for Arrow Plumbing for several years until his health would no longer allow him to work.  Marvin loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and kayaking.  He enjoyed traveling, collecting and selling art pottery, particularly Dryden Pottery.  Marvin was a contributor to the Dryden Pottery of Kansas and Arkansas: An Illustrated History, Catalog, and Price Guide.  Marvin will be missed for his sense of humor and zeal for life.  He was always willing to share a story and a laugh or lend a hand to anyone in need.  He especially loved entertaining kids.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents;grandparents, Ray and Hazel Tilon, John and Mary Gates; anunt and uncle, Wilma and Ralph Tilton; and father-in-law, Richard Adams. 

He is survived by his wife, Twila Gates, of the home; his daughter, Olivia Gates of Emporia, Kansas; his step-daughter, Rochelle McGee and husband Craig of Garnett, Kansas; three grandchildren, Ally, Aaron and Eric; one brother, Edwin Gates and wife Patty of Olathe, Kansas; one sister, Shirley Kline and husband Paul of Garnett; mother in law, Marguerite Adams; two brothers-in-law and their families, Tom and Sandra Adams and Terry and Joy Adams; and nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January14, 2019 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel, 219 S. Oak, Garnett, Kansas 66032.  The family will greet friends following the service at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Douglas County Humane Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association and left in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.