David Gordon Gates

David Gordon Gates obituary, Beaumont, TX

David Gordon Gates

David Gates Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive on Jan. 26, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper

David Gordon Gates passed away January 19, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas. Born in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on March 30, 1931, David was the eldest son of Russell and Ruth Gates of Berryville, Arkansas. He graduated from Berryville High School, and soon after married his high school sweetheart, Sara Shuller.
David chose to join the National Guard and soon found himself in Korea as a Fire Direction Specialist orienting howitzer ordinance. After his military service he obtained both a bachelor's and master's degree at The University of Arkansas. He then went on to receive his doctoral degree at Oklahoma State University. After being a professor at Auburn University for one year he moved his growing family to Beaumont, Texas, and taught Industrial Engineering at Lamar University for 35 years. Even in retirement he continued his learning and lecturing. He believed everything is a teachable moment.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 32 years. He is survived by his brothers, Ken Gates and wife, Karen, of Sonora, Arkansas and John Gates and wife, Bobbi, of Little Flock, Arkansas; son, David E. Gates and wife, Diane Gumz, of Portland, Oregon; daughter, Mary Schmidt and husband, Raymond, of Vidor, Texas; grandchildren, Jennifer White and husband, Curtis, of Jacksonville, Florida; Kendell Schmidt and wife, Haley, of Vidor, Texas; Duncan Gates of Portland, Oregon; and great-grandchildren, Lillian and Korbin Schmidt and Lucas White.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. David G. Gates Scholarship at Lamar University, 4400 MLK Boulevard, P.O. Box 10009 Beaumont, Texas 77710 or the National Park Foundation, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005.
Dr. Gates' cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard's Crematorium under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign David Gates's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Raymond Smith

November 23, 2024

When first arrived on campus for advisement the department secretary announced me to Dr. Gates whereby Dr. Gates said "throw the bum out!!" When came out of his office he said " you're not Raymond Smith. " And replied "Not now!!" This was the start of a long lasting relationship. Dr. Gates will always have a very special place in my heart.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Broussard's Mortuary - Major Drive

1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont, TX 77713

Make a Donation
in David Gates's name

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Gates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign David Gates's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?