Danny Lee Gates, age 82 of rural Union, NE passed away on Friday; April 3, 2020 at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, NE.

He was born on August 13, 1937 in Rock Island, IL; the son of Bruce Elwood and Harriet E. (Fernandes) Gates.  He attended school in Rock Island and graduated from Rock Island High School with the Class of 1955.  Shortly thereafter, he worked as a journeyman printer and he joined the U.S. Navy Reserves where he served for four years.  

Danny enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1959 and continued in this career until his retirement from the Air Force in 1989 after 30 years of service.  He retired as a 

Chief Master Sergeant.  He later worked for some 20 years at the Beaver Lake 75 Mart where he enjoyed the many people that he met.

He was united in marriage to Dana L. Andreasen on April 3, 1964 in Logan, UT and to this union ten children were born.  Danny was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

He is survived by his wife Dana Gates of Union, NE; children:  Kenna Prine (Matthew)-Hollidaysburg, PA, Kari Allgood (David "Sam")-Orange Park, FL, Kami Gates-Omaha, NE, Danny Gates-Union, NE, Kristopher Gates (Susann)-Omaha, NE, Kaleo Gates (Traci)-Lincoln, NE, Kandyce Sharp (Jacob)-Council Bluffs, IA, Kati Gates-Alexandria, VA, Darci Gates-Union, NE and Kermit Gates (Jennifer)-Avoca, NE; 26 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, brothers:  Terry Gates (Gloria)-East Moline, IL, Jack Gates (Cindy)-Albuquerque, NM and Gene Gates-Milan, IL; other family and friends.  He was preceded in death by a brother George "Bud" Gates and sister in law Sandy Gates.

 Family Graveside Services will be held Thursday (4/9) at East Union Cemetery with military honors by the U.S. Air Force Funeral Honors Detail.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Open viewing will be Wednesday from 1-7 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. -1 p.m., all at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City, NE.

Memorials may be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Assn. or Shriners Hospital.

Gude Mortuary in charge of funeral arrangements.