Thomas Lawrence Kates

FELTON – Thomas Lawrence Kates, a lifelong resident of Felton, made his Transition on Monday, April 19, 2021. Born in Felton, Thomas was the son of the late Lawrence John and Emma Laura (Bradley) Kates. He graduated from Felton High School with the class of 1939 and then worked at the E.I. Dupont Company in Seaford as a Line Supervisor, retiring in 1980 after 40 years. Lawrence loved his hometown and was very active in the community and participated in numerous local civic activities and organizations. He was the manager of the first Felton PONY League and was active many years coaching the 13-14 year old boys baseball team. Many of his former players have fond memories playing for him. His team won the Kent-Sussex PONY League Championship in 1961, which included a stunning win by “The Dill Pickles”. Lawrence was an active member of Felton Fire Company having joined just after it was established. He was actively involved with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he held numerous local and state positions and titles, including Noble Grand Master. At the time of his Transition, Lawrence was the second oldest living member of the Odd Fellows in Delaware. Lawrence, and his late wife, Margaret, thoroughly enjoyed the yearly 6 state Odd Fellows Mid-Atlantic Conclave, where Lawrence choreographed marching drills for the Felton Lodge #30 who would perform in the marching competitions. Lawrence, also known as Thomas to many, was a member of the Felton-Viola United Methodist Church since the age of 10. He held many positions in the church throughout the years, including Sunday School Teacher, a member and chairperson of numerous boards and committees. He once served as the church’s Charge Lay Leader, preparing and delivering sermons to the congregation. His wife, son and daughter got to listen to his talks twice, once as a “dress rehearsal” and the other on Sundays. Thomas served our Nation during WWII with the US Army’s 1124th Engineer Corps Group, and was discharged as a Technician 5th Grade. Afterwards, he helped establish the Adams-Simpler-Ware VFW Post 6009, becoming the Post’s first Quartermaster. He was the last surviving founding member of the Post. Lawrence was an avid gardener and his time in his garden was therapeutic. His garden, which he grew up until the age of 95, was open to his neighbors and he loved sharing his bumper crops with them. He was especially proud of his delicious strawberries and scrumptious butter beans. Along with his love of his hometown, community and gardening, he was a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. During the past few years, he, along with his son, and some of his baseball loving family members, he attended Phillies Training Camp in Clearwater, Florida. He was very much looking forward to these outings. “It’s March, and I don’t have to wear a coat!” Many times, as he fumed at the Phillies playing, he would say “the Phillies should have hired him as their manager”, he might not do any better, but he would most certainly cost less. In addition to his parents, Lawrence is preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Margaret (Cox) Kates; a sister, Salena Sherwood, and a son-in-law, Gary Furlong. He is survived by two children, John Kates (June) and Peggy Furlong; five grandchildren and their families, Jennifer Lilly (Doug) and children Ryan Lilly (Caitlin), Kyle Lilly (Carly); Melinda Kates (Gerald Tate) and children Max, Nolyn and Ozzie Kates-Tate; Scott Furlong (Kathy) and children Morgan, Hayden, Gavin and Hailey; Kurt Furlong (Sheri) and children Madison and Alexandra; and Katie Furlong. He was also looking forward to August when he would meet his first great-great grandchild, Violet. The family would like to convey a special thank you to Caring Hearts, several becoming extended family, for their years of service and dedication to their “Dad”, a deep gratitude to Dad’s friends and neighbors who helped and kept close watch on him, a very special thank you to his Felton-Viola UMC family, and heart-felt appreciation to his cousins, nieces and nephews who were always there when needed. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, April 30, 2021 in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Main Street, Felton, Delaware, 19943. A private funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the funeral home, followed by private interment at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Camden where Lawrence will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife. Everyone attending the visitation will be required to wear a mask and adhere to social and responsible distancing guidelines set forth by the State of Delaware. Space will be limited indoors on Friday evening. There is a chance you may be asked to wait outside until indoor numbers allow access. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lawrence’s memory are suggested to the Felton-Viola UMC, PO Box 247, Felton, Del 19943. Arrangements are in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Felton. Online condolences are welcome for the family online at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com