Earl William “Rusty” Gates, 93, Lawrence, passed away April 19, 2018, at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.
He was born February 22, 1925, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Clarence William and Myrtle Belle Perry Gates. He earned an BA in music from the University of Wisconsin. He earned an MA in music from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Mr. Gates served in the United States Army during WWII, as a clerk and musician in the Officers Club. He was hired by the University of Kansas in 1969.
He was a jazz and classically trained musician, playing the piano and clarinet as a hobby.
He married Jane Elizabeth Miller, and they spent 65 years together. She preceded him in death last year. They were the best parents and are deeply missed.
Survivors include children, Mark Gates and wife Trish of Charlotte, NC, Toren Gates Sidwell and husband Mark of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Kent Steven Gates and wife Chris Wells Gates of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Ellen Bara Wells Gates, Margaret Anne Van Pelt, and Patricia Carroll Van Pelt.
He was also preceded in death by brothers, Perry, Jack, Robert and Glenn Gates.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the University of Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.
