Tommy Edward Gates

July 24, 1943 - June 9, 2021

Tommy Edward Gates, 77, of rural Girard, KS, passed into Heaven on June 9, 2021 at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, KS following an 18 month illness. He was born July 24, 1943 in Girard, KS, the son of John and Arabella (Weakley) Gates Tom proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 101st Airborne in Vietnam and 19 months in the National Guard Reserves. His specialty was sharp shooter and crane operator from 1964-1969. He was married to Gloria James, together they had two children, Michelle Pryor and James Gates. On April 11, 1997, Tom married his wife of 24 years, Virginia Gorsage, she resides at the home. Tom was on the board of the directors of Big Brutus and a member and past commander of Post # 26 American Legion for 56 years. He was a member of the United Mine Workers. He worked as a strip –pit coal miner for 28 years at Mackey- Clemens coal mines in Arcadia until retiring from drag line operator. Survivors include his wife, daughter, step-daughter, Debbie Thomas and son-in law Gerald Thomas, his friend /advisor and right hand man, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, son, four siblings; Bob, Bill, Helen “Peg” Hardy and Linda Romaniz. Memorial services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 18, 2021 at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home. Family will receive friends Thursday, June 17, 2021 from 6-8 pm at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762 Memorials may be sent to the Big Brutus Paint fund; these may be mailed or dropped off to the funeral home.