Charles "Chuck" Gates, 77, died Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 at Wheatridge Care Park in Liberal.
He was born Dec. 3, 1947 to Allen and Ida (Manthe) Gates.
He was a graduate of De Soto High School in De Soto with the Class of 1965.
He worked as a carny for the Pride of Texas Traveling Carnival for 10 years and was also a cook for many years.
He enjoyed taking photos, recording video, and never knew a stranger.
He also liked rabbits and had a pet Guinea pig named Susie.
He was proud of his Blackfoot American Indian heritage.
Survivors include three sisters: Patricia Kirk and husband, Allan, Liberal, Katherine Manthe, Shattuck, Okla., and Wilma Gates, Lawrence; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Meckling; stepfather, Wilbur Biggerstaff; brother-in-law, Ivan Manthe; and nephew, Virgil Manthe.
• Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025 at Miller Mortuary in Liberal.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, 2025 at the Miller Mortuary Chapel in Liberal.
Burial will take place at the Liberal City Cemetery in Liberal.
Condolences may be left at millermortuary.net.
