David Leon Gates

David Leon Gates was born on November 13, 1947 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to J B Gates and Mary Ella (Colburn) Gates. He passed from this life on August 22, 2026 at the age of 78. David graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1966. He was an accomplished athlete placing third in the state in wrestling, awarded all-city and all-conference in football and named Tulsa Central High School's Outstanding Athlete of the year for 1965-66. He went on to play college football on a full scholarship at K-State.

David married the love of his life, Linda Kaye Horrall on November 1, 1969, at East Central Church of Christ in Tulsa. They made their home in the Bixby community for 33 years where they raised their three daughters before retiring in Owasso. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, hard work, and service to others for 56 years.

David spent most of his career as an electrician and mechanical contractor, craftsman, builder and owner of Gates Electric. He later worked as the engineering and maintenance manager for Bama Pie and as a Oklahoma Career Tech instructor at the Taft Skills Center providing training to inmates of the Dr. Eddie Warrior Corrections Center in Taft, Oklahoma. He was known for his ingenuity and spent a lifetime learning how things worked and used that knowledge in all aspects of his life. He took great pride in his work and especially enjoyed teaching his skills and using them to help family, friends and those in need.
David was a faithful member of Woodland Hills Church of Christ in Tulsa and upon moving to Owasso, the Stone Canyon Church of Christ. His faith in God was his foundation throughout his life, and he treasured his church family and the fellowship he shared with them. He will be remembered for his strong character, unwavering work ethic, competitive and optimistic spirit, quick sense of humor, devotion to his family, and willingness to share his time, talents, and knowledge with others. He leaves behind a legacy built on faith, family, hard work, laughter, and a legacy of love that will continue through his daughters and the generations that follow.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J B and Mary; sister, Joella Mae Goad; grandparents, Elmer Gates and Ernie and Ora Mae Colburn; aunts and uncles, Jimmy Gates, Lawrence Gates, Ellsworth Colburn, Everett Colburn, Howard and Doris Blouir and Jim and Margaret Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Christy Bennefield and husband Jim, grandson, Kason Bennefield, grandson, Christopher Bennefield and wife Gracey and great grandson, Wesley; daughter, Tammy Lind and husband Kevin, grandsons, Oliver and Charlie Tillman; daughter, Mandy Earp and husband Brandon, grandsons, Cale and Jace Gates, Drew Earp and granddaughter, Taylor Earp; Brother-in-law, John Goad, nephew, John J Goad and wife Lainie, nephew, Jared Richardson and niece, Jensen Richardson, and a host of dearly loved cousins.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." -- Matthew 25:23
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Aug 28 from 10:00 AM at Stone Canyon Church of Christ 15640 E 76th St N , Owasso
Visitaion will be held on Thursday, Aug 27 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Green Hill Funeral Home Chapel 9901 North Owasso Expressway, Owasso
David's Event Name 1 at Bixby Cemetery 6498 E. 151 St. South , Bixby
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