Earl Junior Gates

Earl J. "Book" Gates Earl J. "Book" Gates, age 84, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at Missouri Veterans Home, Cameron, Missouri. Earl was born the son of Earl Joseph and Lillian Pearl (Jones) Gates on February 15, 1927, in Macon County, Missouri. He was a 1945 graduate of Chula High School. He was united in marriage to Veda May Davenport on December 12, 1948, in Livingston County, Missouri. She preceded him in death on January 15, 1999. He was a self-employed farmer, and also was a milk hauler for many years. He was a member of the United States Navy during World War II, serving from 1945-1946. He earned the rank of Motor Machinist Mate Third Class, and received the Victory Medal and the Asiatic Pacific Citation. Earl was a member of the Vern R. Glick American Legion Post 25, Eagles Aerie No. 2428, and the National Bowling Congress. He enjoyed going to auctions, spending time with neighbors, family, and friends. Farming was Earl's life, he loved his livestock. Survivors include three sons, David Gates and wife Alice of Chillicothe, Missouri, Jim Gates and wife Pat of Chillicothe, Missouri, Michael Gates of Chillicothe, Missouri; two daughters, Jeanie Ripley of Chillicothe, Missouri, Anne Gates of Orange County, California; one sister Maxine Dowell of Kansas City, Missouri; ten grandchildren; several great grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Veda; one daughter Kay Kingery; infant sister; two sisters, Mary, and Edith; three brothers, Ernest (Bud), Arlin, and Kenneth Gates. Funeral services will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Saturday, January 7, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. A family visitation will be held at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, January 6, 2012, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friends may call the funeral home on Friday, January 6, 2012, from 12 noon until 9:00 p.m. Burial will be held in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to Hedrick Home Health in Chillicothe and/or Comfort Care Hospice of Cameron and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.