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 are 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 great-grandchildren, 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.
