Darward Gates
Darward Gene Gates, of Edna, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 12, 2022, at the age of 89. He was born in Texas on February 5, 1933, to the late Robert Lee Gates and Ruby Parrish Gates.
Darward was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed. He was known as Dar, Pop, and grandpa. He served in the U.S. Army stateside during the Korean War. Dar worked as a pipefitter for Union Carbide where he retired after 38 years. He enjoyed working with his hands buildingfurniture and craft items. He was a wonderful painter/carpenter and loved picking up other people’s junk and refurbishing it, making it look new. The family always teased him about his curbside shopping. Dar never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation anywhere and anytime. He truly loved his family and will forever be in our hearts.
Darward is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maxine Parker Gates; daughter, Brenda Jacobs (Timmy); son, Bobby Gerjes (Robin); grandchildren, Shannon Srp, Jake Srp, Josh Srp, Shelly Davis, Stephanie Morgan, Bobbi Jo Biehunko, and Tandi Stewart.; along with 18 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ruby Gates; brothers, J.B. Gates and Eugene Gates; his sister, Connie Gates Miller; son, Randy Gerjes and grandson Brandon Gerjes.
Pallbearers will be Shannon Srp, Jake Srp, Josh Srp, Timmy Jacobs, Eric Johnson and Kim Hicks.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with the Funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., all in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel in Edna, Texas. Interment followed at 2:00 p.m. in Memory Gardens Cemetery of Victoria, Texas. Pastor Jack Hutson officiated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Darward’s name to, Alzheimer’s Association, 418 People St. Suite 204, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401 or to the Texana Arts Council, Edna Theatre Restoration Project, P.O. Box 1334, Edna, Texas 77957
Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna. 361-782-2221. www.oaklawnfhednatx.com