Harvey Duane Kates

Visitation will be Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Palmer Marler Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral Services will be Friday, March 6, 2026 at 2:00 pm at First Freewill Baptist Church in Cushing.

Longtime resident Harvey Duane Kates passed away Monday, March 2, 2026 at the age of 82. He was born February 16, 1944 in Chandler, OK during the WWII era. His father was away four years fighting in the war so he and his mother lived with her parents. He knew what outhouses were and saw pies cooking in the cast iron pot belly stove heated with coals. His grandpa plowed the field with a plow not a tractor. He saw a plow dig up a snake. He had the pleasure to go squirrel and rabbit hunting with his uncle and grandpa.

Duane was a beloved brother and uncle. He is survived by his sisters Sheila Allee of Purcell; Ann and husband Bill Biswell of Cushing and nephews Curtis Pinkerton, Brian and wife Charity Allee, Brandon and wife Susan Allee, Doug and wife Stephanie Biswell, Scott and wife Katie Biswell. His great nephew and nieces are Azia Biswell Paty and husband Silas, Taegan and wife Dylann Biswell, Melody (Allee) Miller and husband Daniel, Trevor and wife Molly Allee, Brennan Allee, Brielle Allee, Krew Biswell, Dash Biswell, and Navy Kate Biswell; two great nephews, Miles and Miller, and one great niece Rose.

Duane attended Highland Grade School playing football with friends and watching Roy Rogers Saturday morning. He graduated from Cushing High School in 1962. After High School he attended Banking School in Oklahoma City. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was a Medic during the Vietnam War. After serving four years, he became a Fire Fighter in Wichita, Kansas. Being a fireman, he kept in shape by running in races. After retiring on November 19, 2004, he returned to Cushing. His activities continued as he delivered meals for the Senior Citizens. He even delivered during COVID. He was a service provider for nearly 20 years. Duane continued his keeping in shape by running at three in the morning. He loved all kinds of sports especially OU sports but also pulled for OSU. Duane was an active member of the First Freewill Baptist Church. He loved the people and he loved his family and friends. Duane was preceded in death by his father Harvey Kates, Jr. and mother Nellie Kates, sisters Linda Pinkerton and Kimberly Kates.

Duane will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Freewill Baptist Church. 1146 East North Street, Cushing, Oklahoma 74023.