A resident of Spring Creek, LA, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021 at his home. He was born October 6, 1928 in Kentwood, LA and was 92 years of age. He worked at Gulf States Utilities until he retired at the age of 55. He loved the Lord, loved to work, loved Spring Creek Baptist Church and loved to be involved with his children and grandchildren. He was excellent at giving words of wisdom. His grandchildren loved to hear him tell his life stories that only he could make come to life. He will never be forgotten. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Myrle Varnado Gates; daughter, Darlene Biggs (Donald); son, Donald Curtis Gates, Sr. (Mona); grandchildren, Landon LeBourgeois (Michelle), Ashlynn Ashford (Bubba), Clint LeBourgeois (Lyndee), Marc Marbury (Abbie), and Curt Gates, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Ashford, Dakota Ashford, Londyn Ashford, Blakely LeBourgeois, Bella LeBourgeois, Brooklynn LeBourgeois, Halleigh LeBourgeois, and Monica Marbury; sister, Loyce Hughes. Preceded in death by parents, Daniel and Wilma Gates; 2 brothers, Wildon "Bud" Clark and Clem Clark; 3 sisters, Velda Brock, Doris Dickey, and Cleta Crawford. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.