John C. Gates

John Clifford Gates, 92 of Sugarland, Texas passed away February 3, 2018. He was born May 12, 1925 in Kinard, Texas to the late John A. Gates and late Caroline Smitherman. His many jobs consisted of Western Electric, Texas Highway Department, Texas Department of Correction (driver) of Sugarland, Texas and for Charted Tour Bus Companies ( bus driver). His many talents consisted of gardening, fishing, and welding where he created many art pieces. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was well known for his unique and creative use of words. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Bay City, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Gladys Tiffin, wife Lydia Kopecky Gates, John Clifford Beard (grandson), and life time companion Juanita Conn.

He is survived by his daughter Rebecca Beard (Blessing, Texas),granddaughter Iona Calhoun(Mark) of Blessing, Texas., brother Rayford Gates (Carol) of Arkansas City, Kansas, and Nephew Michael Tiffin ( Claudia) of Tomball, Texas., Sherry Purdue( Mike) , Alan Gates and Darryl (Angela) all of Kansas. 6 great grandchildren, Becka Wilder (Mark), Jonathan Calhoun, Jeffrey Calhoun, Alexa and Jayden Beard, Haley Beard all of Blessing, Texas. 2 great-great grandchildren Aiden and Aubree Ibarra of Blessing, Texas. He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

John was a lion at heart and excited to be an adopted honorary member of the Blessing E.F.L.M. Lions Club of Blessing, Texas. Memorials or donations can be made to the Texas Lions Camp, 4100 San Antonio Hwy. Kerrville, Texas. 78028.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 11AM – 12PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life Services beginning at 12 PM in the Grand Chapel of Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.