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Earl Gates Obituary
May 11, 1917-Jan. 24, 2013
Earl L. Gates, age 95,
of Mt.
Pleasant, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2013 in Smithville, Texas.
Funeral Services will be Friday, February 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. from the Strickland Baptist Church with Pastor Lindow Koop officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Strickland Baptist Church.
Earl was born May 11, 1917 in Shepherd to Chester and Ruth (Cole) Gates. He retired from Total Refinery after 42 years of service in 1979. While he was working at Total Refinery he also operated a dairy farm. After his retirement he joined the Roving Volunteer In Christ Service (RVIS) traveling the United States as a volunteer for many years. Earl was a life-time member of the Strickland Baptist Church.
Survived by 3 children, Leona (George "Mo") Moreno of Mt. Pleasant, Carol (David) Tettaton of South Amherst, Ohio and Norman (Donna) Gates of New Hudson; a foster son, Jim (Laurie) Cooper of Kalamazoo; numerous grandchildren; and 11 step-children.
Earl was preceded in death by his first wife, Zelma in 1974, his second wife, Eileen in 2002, and his third wife, Donna in 2013; and two brothers, Clarence and Ivan Gates.
Memorials may be given to the Strickland Baptist Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Earl Gates
4 Entries
February 2, 2013
So sorry for your loss, he will be greatly missed. We just found out this morning (Saturday). What a wonderful unforgettable man of God. We all have "Earl" story memories that we still share in our family today. It was an honor to know him & love him. All of heaven rejoices in his arrival.
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. Lowell & Lesley Hager
February 1, 2013
Sorry we couldn't be with you at Earl's celebration homegoing. Bless you all. Love, John and Carol Hoyle
February 1, 2013
Leona, George and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Gates. He was quite a character. I will always remember his humor and stories. May God bless him and your family. Eric R. Janes
Sharry D'Ambrosio
January 29, 2013
I'll miss Grandpa always putting my church bulletin upside-down on the piano! Praying for you all.
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