Richard H. Gates

Born into the Hawk Clan, Oct. 29, 1934 the son of LeRoy and Matilda Twoguns Gates. Richard grew up in Pinewoods, he enjoyed and excelled in baseball and lacrosse he coached the Pinewoods Smoke and the Newtown Golden Eagles for many years.

Richard honorably served his country with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He rose to the rank of E-3 Lance Cpl. while serving our country .

Richard married the former Geraldine Plummer , Geraldine passed away Jan. 21, 2022.

A mechanic, Richard worked on the rail system at the former Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Lackawanna. After Bethlehem closed its doors Richard worked as a maintenance supervisor for the Seneca Nation Housing Authority, a job he held for decades.

Survivors include children Donald (Dondi) Bennett of Wisconsin; Debra Bowman of Gowanda; Wayne Gates of Gowanda; Steven Gares of Buffalo; Vaughn (Wanda) Gares of Salamanca; Jamie (Chris Brooks) of Gowanda; and Wesley (Sandra) Warrior of Perrysburg; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren in-laws; and nieces and nephews also survive.

Besides his loving wife Geraldine Gates, Richard was the last of his siblings to pass away. Richard was preceded in death by Melvin “Skip” Gates, LeRoy “JuneBug” Gates, Betty Parker, Fritz Jackson, Cynthia Ballagh, Lynn “Stoney” Jackson, and Val Jackson.

Friends and family may call Wednesday from 2- 7 pm at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St., Gowanda. Mike Gates will hold a time of reflection and a time to share memories of Richard from 5-6:30, all are invited to share special memories at this time. Funeral Services for Richard will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at 11 from the funeral home with Pastor Glenn Bloom III of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Irving to officiate. Burial to follow with full military honors . Richard will be laid to rest in the Seneca Nation Community Cemetery on Route 438 next to his wife Geraldine.