Kenneth 'Wayne' Gates

May 22, 1935 - Jan. 2, 2008

LINCOLN -- Kenneth "Wayne" Gates, 72, died Wednesday (Jan. 2, 2008) at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln.

He was born May 22, 1935, to Kenneth C. and Clara Malinda (Nickerson) Gates in Hayes County. Wayne attended rural school in Hayes County, graduating from Hayes County High School in 1952.

Wayne married Margaret L. Hand on May 23, 1959, in Culbertson. They made their home in Palisade. Wayne work for a number of years at Nelson Feed and Produce. He then worked for Palisade Motor Company eventually purchasing the business doing automotive work with his son until his health would no longer allow.

Wayne was a member of the Palisade Rural Fire Department from 1961 to 1968. He loved hunting and fishing, especially when his grandchildren were involved. He also took pride in fixing and painting vehicles. Wayne enjoyed the outdoors and especially roses. He made a rose garden in front of the automotive shop and spent a lot of time tending his rose garden so that it flourished for all to see.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents; a son Dawayne Vaughn Gates in 1975; and a brother, Darwin L. Gates.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret; son, Kirk of Palisade; daughter, Patricia and husband, Don Neel of McCook; six grandchildren, Joshua, Ira James, Tyler and Bret Neel and Lou Gates, all of McCook and Kim Gates of Imperial; a brother, Bryce Gates and wife, Lavora of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a sister-in-law, Aloha Gates of Kansas City, Mo.; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Saturday 4-6 p.m. and Sunday 4 -8 p.m. at the funeral home in McCook. Friends and family may leave condolences on-line at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m., at Palisade United Methodist Church with Pastor Judy Dye officiating. Interment will be in the Palisade Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.