Myrle Varnado Gates

Myrle Dean Varnado Gates passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2022, in Baker, Louisiana. She was born on Saturday, July 13, 1929, in Kentwood, Louisiana, to the late Ashford Varnado and Mae Milton Varnado. She was a lifelong resident of Kentwood, Louisiana.

Myrle is survived by her son, Donald C. Gates, Sr. (Don); daughter-in-law, Mona G. Gates; daughter, Darlene G. Biggs; son-in-law, Donald Biggs; grandchildren, Marcus T. Marbury (Marc), Donald C. Gates, Jr. (Kyrt), Landon Labourgeois, Clint Labourgeois, and Ashlyn Labourgeois; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Myrle loved and adored her husband of 71 years, Daniel Curtis Gates, Jr. (Curtis). They met in the third grade and became closer through grade school. After graduation, Myrle patiently waited for Curtis to return home from service in the United States Navy to marry and start their life together. They shared a beautiful life filled with love, companionship, music, and travel. Myrle was an elegant and graceful woman who deeply loved her family. She and Curtis enjoyed singing gospel hymns together, with Curtis playing the guitar as they sang. They also shared a deep love for their church, Spring Creek Baptist Church, and for traveling and exploring the world together well into their 80s.

Myrle was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved cooking for her family, and many will cherish the memories of gathering around the table and enjoying the meals she lovingly prepared.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Daniel Curtis Gates, Jr.; her parents, Ashford and Mae M. Varnado; her sisters, Myrthe V. Erwin and Zilpha Lea V. Smith; and her brother, Donald T. Varnado.

She will be deeply missed by those that knew her and loved her.