Edward F. Gates

Edward F. Gates

Edward F. Gates, 90, of Junction City, died Feb. 6, 2017 at Valley View Senior Life in Junction City. Ed was born March 1, 1926 in Leavenworth, KS, the son of Joseph E. and Anna (Schermier) Gates. Ed attended schools at High Prairie and in Tonganoxie.

Ed joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 at the age of seventeen and served from 1943 -1947 in the Pacific Theater of Operations, including serving in Occupation Force in Japan from J-Day to April 1946. He was called back to active duty during the Korean War 1951-1952. He served on U.S. Navy vessels, USS Dickens, the USS Vanderburgh, and the USS YMS 307. He received 2 battle stars, one for the Iwo Jima Campaign, and one for the Okinawa Campaign. In later years, Ed enjoyed attending reunions with other Iwo Jima veterans each February.

Ed worked for over 25 years in Civil Service on Ft. Riley. Ed was a member of St. Xavier Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister; the V.F.W., and NARFE.

Ed married Phyllis L. Babicki on September 21, 1963 in Topeka. Phyllis survives. Other survivors include: a son, William E. Gates and his wife Kristine, Junction City; a step-daughter, Charlotte Babicki, Yellowknife, Canada; a brother, Joseph Gates, Platte City, MO; a sister, Patricia Sloan, Platte City, MO; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by a step-son, Joe Babicki; a step-daughter, Marsha Struby; 3 sisters, Catherine Kitchens, Ann Coleman, and Betsy Gates; and a brother, Michael Gates.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Feb. 13, 2017 at St. Xavier Catholic Church, Junction City, with Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt presiding. Burial of the ashes will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Junction City. Graveside military honors will be provided by the U.S. Naval Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Xavier Catholic Church. Penwell-Gabel Junction City Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.