Stephen J. Gates

It is with great difficulty and sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Stephen Joseph Gates on May 29 at the age of 65. 

Steve was born in Tucson, Arizona on June 22, 1959. He hit prime age in the 1970s; his haircut and beard were proof. In the early 80s he married his high school sweetheart, Cady. His pride and joy was then becoming a father to Hailey and Clint. They were his world. 

As a jack of all trades and a master at most, he spent winters in Arizona building houses and summers working the family wheat fields of Kansas. Deciding not to continue the snowbird lifestyle, the family eventually moved to the Kiowa farm fulltime.

His passion for the mountains and pines was an adventure he looked forward to. He enjoyed exploring and learning about anything. His breadth of hobbies made him easy to talk to, whether it was camping, Moto Guzzies, guns, history, skiing, trying craft beer or hunting (for Steve, the next big game hunt is now every tomorrow). Anyone who has had a conversation with Steve knows: he knew something about everything, and he always had a story to tell.

After retirement, he enjoyed Lake Arrowhead life, expanding his hat collection, and a happy hour with friends. Most of all, he looked forward to visiting and hearing from his kids and three grandsons.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Philip Gates.

Steve is survived by his brother, David Gates, Nancy (Savannah and Josh Carlson and Jake); daughter, Hailey Gates, Louis Santos II (Louis III), and son, Clinton Gates, Barbara Nguyen) (Archer and Atlas).

An informal Celebration of Life and One Last Cold One will be on June 7, 2025 from 3-5pm at the Community Building in Kiowa. The family would love your presence and wants to invite all who have heard Steve’s stories to come share one of their own.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa.  HYPERLINK www.lanmanfuneralhome.com  Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly appreciates any donations be made in his name to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children.