"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27). To that voice of His Good Shepherd, Ernest looked up on the evening of Sunday, September 7th, for what would be the greatest day of his life. Ernest heard the voice of Jesus and then saw Him standing there waiting to give him his long-anticipated hug and take him to heaven.
Ernest "Ernie" Nolan Gates was 62 years old when his faith became sight. He was born to Leon and Lorine Gates on May 14, 1963, in Newton, Kansas. While on earth, he was passionate about playing football and reliving his glory days. He was also passionate about wrestling (minus pulling weight) for Catoosa High School (class of 1981). He received his Certified Public Accountant certificate in 1990 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 1995 all while working full-time for Philips Petroleum Company, yet remained dedicated to attending family functions albeit with his nose in a book (we only saw the top of his head during those years.) He spent the last twenty-two years employed with Walmart. He set up the company's privileged practice for the Tax Department and counseled and advised the Tax Department including the company's entry into and the successful navigation of the compliance Assurance Process with the IRS. Ernest exhibited wise judgment and counsel over the years as a Walmart lawyer. He was actively involved in the Tax Executive Institute Inc. for several years serving on various committees and Tulsa Chapter Chair for 2013-2014. His mantra in life was "Press On," adopted from General "Stonewall" Jackson. His unwavering determination to set/meet goals was visible again as he fought health challenges beginning in 2023.
His pride and joy were his children. He was the "FUN" in our family! It was always a party when he arrived home from work! He treasured reading the Bible to his children at bedtime when they were young. He invested hours preparing and leading our family's "Little Church" each week. He supported his children in their various activities: Teaching the boys' AWANA class (where he made it a party as their noise level greatly exceeded the girls' class across the hall... even with the doors closed); he helped his son begin his own lawn mowing business when he was only ten years old, but always offered his son a hand when he needed it which helped keep the business going for ten years; he watched his daughter perform in sixty-two "The Nutcracker" performances; and because he was such a ham, eventually acted with his children in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" for several years, as well as a summer performing with them in "The Sound of Music". In addition, he used his woodworking skills to build sets for either their acting performances or for his son's filmmaking scenes. He also set aside time to go on coffee dates with his daughter where they would talk, go through devotionals or work on accounting/finance homework together. Those coffee dates will be forever treasured by his daughter. We are more grateful, now, that he took each child on a trip by themselves where they created special memories of their adventures. He enjoyed smoking various meats for Thanksgiving and special occasions, fishing, hiking in Estes Park, CO and skiing in Breckenridge, CO. He also earned a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.
He was a kid at heart! His playful disposition and quick wit will be missed as well as his infectious laugh. He is survived by his wife (and high school sweetheart) of forty-one years Deborah, and his children Matthew and Madison.
