Lucian was born to Dennis Daniel Gates and Mina Irene Shanklin on October 11, 1930 and passed away on May 31, 2025 with his family by his side.

Lucian was born in Elkton, Kentucky and later moved to Evansville Indiana, where he met his future wife, Blanche Gates. They were married for 56 years until her passing in 2010. They are together again, in heaven.

Lucian grew up on a farm and spent most of his life baling hay and taking care of cattle. He was also a mechanic and enjoyed auto body restoration.

Lucian worked as an Operating Engineer. When he and Blanche first moved to Kansas City, in 1954, he worked for Canteen, and many years he spent at 10 Main Center in downtown Kansas City.

He spent the last 63 years of his life in Shawnee, Kansas. He loved taking care of his yard and mowing with his John Deere Tractor. He was still very active up to his final month of life.

He leaves a son, Dennis L Gates, and daughter, Luciana F Gates.

They would like to thank the nurses and doctors who cared for Lucian at Shawnee Mission Advent Hospital and KC Hospice House on Wornall.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St, Jude Children’s Hospital or Great Plains SPCA, 5428 Antioch Dr. Meriam, KS 66202.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, 4-6 pm at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS.  Memorial Service is Wednesday, June 11, 12 pm at Porter Funeral Home, Lenexa, officiated by Pastor Jess Lovell.  Burial will be Thursday, June 12. 12:30 pm at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Road, Leavenworth, KS  

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for these blessings

That all we ask in Jesus

Christ name, Amen