David Gordon Gates

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.