David Wayne Gates

June 23, 1967 to July 11, 2025

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David Wayne Gates passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025 in North Houston from an embolism and complications from a long-term illness. David was born at Heights Hospital in Houston, TX on June 23, 1967. He had turned 58 years old shortly before his passing.

He lived most of his life in Houston, but lived for some time in Cleveland, TX, Honolulu, HI, Victoria, TX, and Magnolia, TX before moving back to Houston in 2023.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Edward Windell Gates and his mother Mary Helen Touchet Gates, both of Houston, TX, his brother Glenn Gates of Cleveland, TX, and his brother Terry Gates & Terry’s wife, Valerie Gates of Spring, TX.

He leaves behind his wife, Osakwe-Albert Ifeoma Bethel (Beth) of Nigeria, Africa, his mother-in-law Osakwe Theresa Uche of Nigeria, Africa, his sister-in-law Rita Nwamwaka Egbo of the United Kingdom, his children Christopher Luna, Alberto Luna, and Brenda Luna, all of Houston, TX, his grandchildren Kathia Danae Anaya, Sebastián Anaya, Christopher Anaya, and Mateo Anaya , all of Houston, TX, his brother, Troy Gates of Houston, TX, his nieces Jessica Gates Saad, of Atascocita, TX, Samantha Gates Valencia of Suglarland, TX, Abigail Gates of Thornton, CO, and his nephew, James Gates of Spring, TX. As well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Nancy Gates of Cleveland, TX, the widow of Glenn Gates. 

David was introduced to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses at approximately 6 years old. During his lifetime he had studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and had expressed his love for Jehovah God & Jesus Christ, while also indicating a desire to be baptized. However, in part to mental & emotional illness David never fully dedicated himself to Jehovah God, but he did become an unbaptized publisher of the Good News in recent years. (Matthew 24:14)

He also had a passion for art, poetry & music. He could often be found drawing, painting, writing a poem, or listening to music.

David was known for his friendly nature and sense of humor. He was a good friend to many, especially those suffering with depression. This is because he was no stranger to it himself. He had experienced it most of his adult life and had learned from it. He was in a unique position to offer his friends support & encouragement. He was also close to many members of the Gates & Touchet Families. 

However, for most of his life, his brothers were probably his best friends. His “adopted” brother, Robert Mirelez, would be included in that list.

As Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, such as his brother Troy, firmly believe that David is safely in Jehovah’s memory in a peaceful sleep-like state awaiting a resurrection to a paradise earth under God’s Kingdom, where he will see all of his resurrected loved ones again. (John 5: 28:29)

There will be a Memorial Service held on August 16, 2025 at 2 PM @ Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 32249 Decker Prairie Rd, Magnolia, TX 77355.