David Mark Gates, 83, of Trinity, Tx passed away on Jan. 4th, 2026.  He was born in Borger, Tx, on Nov. 1st, 1942, to Charles and Coise Gates. Charles and Coise had three children: Charles Wade, Philip Don and Mark who was the youngest.

Mark was a Methodist preacher's kid, so he spent his childhood moving between small towns in the Texas Panhandle.  One of our favorite stories that he told was about his dad's prayer one Sunday.  Around age 5, Mark interrupted his dad's lengthy prayer by shouting, "That's enough Daddy" from his pew.  Of course, the congregation laughed.  This was just one of the many stories that showed even at a young age, he knew how to laugh and have fun.

Mark was an athlete.  He played football in high school and was known as "Dynamite Gates" as he was small but fast.  He enjoyed all sports, but football was one of his favorites.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from West Texas State University in 1966, pursuing his passion for the outdoors and nature.

Mark then married LaRuth, had a family and began his career.

His first job out of college was working as a pharmaceutical salesman for Burrough's Wellcome in Lubbock.  He then moved to South Houston where he worked as an inspector for The Texas Water Quality Board.  When La Ruth's father retired, he relocated to Stratford to help run the family farm for several years.

After a few years of farming, Mark and his family moved to Deer Park where he worked for The Texas Water Commission for 28 years.  During his years at the Water Commission, he was promoted to District Manager in Amarillo and then served as Southeast Regional Manager for The Water Commission in Houston.  This reflects his years of dedication, commitment and hard work.  He was proud that his group helped restore fish life to the Ship Channel.

Mark ended his career at Exxon as the Environmental Coordinator.  He then retired to the lake where he could enjoy friends, fishing, golf, boating and grandkids.

Mark was married to LaRuth for 58 years!  They supported each other through all life's blessings and trials.  They have two children, four grandchildren that they adore and friends from every place they've lived. After retiring, they enjoyed traveling together.

Mark was kind to everyone he met, and his smile lit up the room.  He loved his family and friends and showed them by spending time with them and telling stories. He traveled all over to watch his kids and grandkids events.  Many friends cherish wonderful memories of him telling jokes and laughing.

Mark's favorite place was the family cabin in Colorado.  He enjoyed hiking and sitting on the porch telling stories.  He was an avid fly fisherman who would throw back more trout than he would keep.  Over the years, he often taught kids fly fishing and helped with tangled flies or tying new ones to their rods.  He was so patient and always willing to give his time to others, even if it meant no fishing for him.

As a parent, he wasn't afraid to express his emotions, set boundaries and lead by example. He taught forgiveness, love, and integrity.  He enjoyed watching his kids transition into parenthood and loved his grandchildren wholeheartedly.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Coise Gates and his brother Charles Wade Gates.

He is survived by his wife LaRuth Gates, son Greg Gates and daughter-in-law Julie Hirshfield, daughter Jennifer McCreight and son-in-law Jason McCreight.

He was a proud Papa to Lily and Ruby Gates and Carson and Avery McCreight.  He is also survived by his brother Don Gates and his nephews, nieces, and many cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), or to the National Parks Conservation Association, 777 6th St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001.

A service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21st at 10:00 am at The First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX  77320

A reception celebrating Mark's life will follow the service at Westwood Shores Country Club, 100 Westwood Dr. W., Trinity, TX 75862