Leon Gates, Sr., 72, of Kansas City, MO, passed away February 3, 2011, at Research Medical Center. A funeral service will be held 3:30 p.m., Saturday, February 19, 2011, at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO. Visitation 3:00-3:30 p.m. prior to the service. Cremation. Leon Gates, Sr. was born March 13, 1938, in Kansas City, MO, and was a lifelong resident. He worked as the first African American Business Agent for Heavy Construction Laborers' Union Local 663. Preceded in death by: mother- Genevieve Gates, wife-Opal Gates, father-in-law-George Parker, sister-Lillan J. Kelly, brother-Charles Edward Gates, Sr., son-Louis M. Smith, daughter-Toni Gates and grandson-Brandon Smith. Survived by: mother-in-law-Nancy R. Parker, sister-Wilma Jones, daughters– Sharon R. Woods, Lonnice L. Locke & Toni L. Gates, son–Leon Gates, Jr., daughter-in-law–Rita Smith, nephews– Charles L. Gates, Walter R. Gates, Robert J. Newsome, Brian K. Newsome & Charles Edward Gates, Jr., (raised as a son), grandchildren-Sophia E. Grantham, Antonio Gates, Julian Wells, Michael Spears, Monique Smith, Loukesha Smith, Amanda Smith & Leonna Smith. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleygeorgebelton.com. McGilley & George Funeral Home, 611 Chestnut, Belton, MO 64012, 816-322-2995
