Earl Howard Gates Jr., stableman and caretaker

Earl Howard "Chick" Gates Jr., 81, of Rehoboth Beach, after a battle with COPD, suddenly passed away Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, after an emergency at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born July 17, 1940, in West Chester, Pa., son of the late Earl Howard Sr. and Jane (Fetters) Gates.

Mr. Gates proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a teenager. He worked as a stableman and caretaker at Kirkwood Farms in Newtown Square, Pa., for 45-plus years. Mr. Gates was involved in the Exton, Pa. literacy program for over 25 years. His one and only student and friend for 25 years was Keith Smith. He loved reading, watching cooking shows, and kicking butt in trivial pursuit. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend who was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Gates was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Gates of West Chester. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Barbara (Potter) Gates; his sons, Steven Gates (Pamela) and Michael Gates (Trynia); his daughter, Stacey Gates Charter; his grandchildren: Steven, Bryana, Adryana Gates, Shaylyn, Patricia, and Emily Gates, and Rylan Jade Charter; his great-grandchild, Liam; his sister, Susan Gates Walters; and nephews, Scott Gates (Debbie) and Richard Gates.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in West Chester, Pa. A burial at sea will be held in spring 2022.

Final care for Mr. Gates has been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Gates's memory to The Gary Sinise Foundation, PO Box 368, Woodland Hills, CA 91365, GarySiniseFoundation.org, honoring defenders, veterans and first responders in need.

Visit Mr. Gates's Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guest book at parsellfuneralhomes.com.