Minor
"Butch" W. Kates Sr., 71 of Wimington,
DE, passed away at home in the
care of his loving wife and family on July 27, 2013.
Butch was born
to the late Paul R. Sr. and Gertrude H. Umberger Kates in Upland,
PA and raised in Linwood, PA.
He resided for the past 10 years in Wilmington,
DE, previously residing in Lewes,
DE for 7 years as well as Boothwyn, PA.
He graduated
from Chichester High School Class of 1959. After graduation, he was hired by
Sun Oil Co. to work aboard their oil tankers. He worked his way up the ranks
from wiper to chief engineer. Butch was 31 years old when he received his
chief's license, making him the youngest chief in the Sun Oil fleet of ships.
Sun Oil changed their shipping department to Sun Transport and in 1997, after
Butch had worked for them for 38 years, the ships were sold.
Butch was proud
of his profession and loved his job, but he missed being away from his
family. He continued his career working on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry until his
retirement in 2003.
Butch enjoyed
boating, fishing and reading. He was an avid Eagles fan and was a member of
Concord Masonic Lodge 625 F&AM, Del Vet Post 1 and the Sun Honor Club.
In addition to
his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Robert Roux.
Survivors: wife of 51 years, Judy Vence Kates, children, Minor
"Butch" Jr. (Denise) Kates, Denise Kates Sivick and Kelly (Darren)
Alles, 2 siblings, Paul Jr. (Beverly) and Alberta Roux, 5 grandchildren,
Justin and Summer Kates, Joe and Jordan Sivick and Annelie Alles.
Services:
Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. at the Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet
Valley, Pa.
Visitation: Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, 9-10 a.m. at the Pagano Funeral
Home, 3711 Foulk Road, Garnet Valley, Pa. Interment: Lawn Croft Cemetery,
Linwood, PA.
Contributions:
NPF (National Parkinson Foundation) at www.parkinson.org/plannedgiving.
Online condolences may be made by visitingwww.paganofuneralhome.com.
