Charles Wilson Gates 72 of Onalaska passed away Monday March 2, 2009 in Lufkin. Funeral services will be 11:00AM Saturday March 7, 2009 in the Lakeway Baptist Church in Carlisle, with Rev. Marvin Martin officiating. Burial will follow in the Carlisle Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday March 5, 2009 and Friday March 6, 2009 from 5:00PM until 9:00PM both nights also in the Lakeway Baptist Church.

Charles was born to parents John and Leon Alston Gates on February 5, 1937 in Glendale, Texas. He served as a Boy Scouts Leader for many years, as well as a Sunday school teacher. He also helped with the bus ministry and puppet ministry for his church.

He is preceded in death by his wife Maudine Gates, brothers Johnny Sam Gates and John Wesley Gates, and sister Myrtle Louise.

Charles is survived by his children Charles Gates Jr. and wife Kim of Katy, Leon Gates and wife Wanda of Onalaska, Susan Hodge of Onalaska, Jennifer Sargent of Burnet, and Emily Villarreal and husband Rene of Burnet, brother Jimmy Gates of Houston, and sister Dorothy Ramsey of Round Rock. He is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and by The Kids of Sonneville.

Serving as pallbearers will be Charles McLemore, Carroll McLemore, Anthony Sargent, Brian Sargent, Dale Gilchrist, John Bowlin and Jonathan Fisher. Honorary pallbearers will be The Kids of Sonneville.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Please sign then online guest book at www.cochranfh.com