Douglas Gates

Douglas Ray Gates, 88, of Sweetwater passed away Monday, March 15, 2021 in Abilene.

Doug was born October 18, 1932 in Abilene, TX to Henry & Vida Gates. In 1951, at the age of 17, Doug enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed for 2 years in Alaska during the Korean War. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1953, he returned to Abilene and soon met the love of his life, Doris Jones.

Doug and Doris were married on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954. Soon after their honeymoon, Doug began working for the Lone Star Gas Company. He finished his career in Sweetwater, TX and retired with Lone Star Gas after 42 years of service.

He was an avid sportsman; enjoying hunting, fishing, boating on lakes and golfing. In his retirement years, he and Doris traveled the US in their RV. Their favorite place to travel to was the East Coast.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Helen Taylor. He is survived by his sister, Evelyn Rich; his brother, Jerry Wyatt; his wife of 66 years Doris Gates; daughters Melinda Gayler (and husband Don) and Margaret Gates; son Steve Gates (and wife Mitzi); grandchildren, Shelley Gayler-Smith, Austin Hendricks, Chelsie Back and Liberty Gates; great-grandchildren Owen Hendricks, Sadie and Rylie Back.

Family expresses appreciation to Hendrick Hospice Care for their support and care during Doug's last days.

Graveside services will be held at Elmwood Memorial Park on Saturday, March 20 at 10 am. Visitation will be one hour before graveside service in the Elmwood Chapel. Due to COVID-19 concerns, masks preferred.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Veteran organization of your choice.