Early Monday, May 16, 2022, Lulu Mae “Lou” Gates of Marietta, OK passed away at the age of 86. Her journey in life began in Burneyville, OK on December 10, 1935 born to Minnie Mae (Kingston) and John Alexander Donaghe.
Lou was raised in Burneyville and a graduate of Leon High School. She ventured to Missouri where she worked as a file clerk for the City of Springfield in the utility’s office. She met the love of her life Jasper “Skip” Gates in Springfield at a square dance. Skip was in Missouri on official business for the U.S. Air Force. They were married on March 7, 1981 in Strafford, MO. Once married, they made their home in Bossier City, LA where he was stationed. In 2004, they relocated to Love County to be closer to her children where they became members of the Eastman Baptist Church. Lou enjoyed square dancing, traveling all over the country, researching genealogy, and doing crossword puzzles. She was a very giving and caring person who loved spending time with her family and friends.
Left behind to cherish her memory is her husband, Skip Gates of the home; sons, Ken Testerman of Greenville, OK and Jay Testerman of Marietta; stepson, Brett Gates and wife Melissa of Carrolton, GA; stepdaughter, Nicole Tubbs and husband David of Benton, LA; grandchildren, Brian Coble and wife Mallory of Springfield, Alex Testerman and wife Rachel of Greenville, Stacy Briggs and husband Will of Marietta, Elise Testerman and fiancé Walter Alexander of Lafayette, LA, and Brittany Kowatz and husband Frank of Lake Charles, LA; and greatgrandchildren, Chloe Coble, Ember Coble, Ashbye Barger, Jameson Testerman, Annie Lou Testerman, Emily Briggs, Ryder Briggs, Ava Alexander, Arya Alexander, Rosie Kowatz, and Harrison Kowatz. In addition to her parents, Lou was preceded in death by daughter, Sherri Coble, three brothers and one sister.
Services to celebrate Lou’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home Chapel in Marietta with Bro. Mike Williams officiating and Ted Gates assisting. Interment will follow at the Leon Cemetery under the direction of Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Casket bearers are Brian Coble, Alex Testerman, David Tubbs, Brett Gates, Rhoten McClennahan, and Larrel Milford. Honorary bearer is Ken Testerman, Jay Testerman, and Allan Gates.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online guest book: wattsfuneralhome.com
