Donald Curtis Gates

Donald Curtis Gates, Sr. (Don), 74, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Hammond, Louisiana. He was born on Wednesday, October 28, 1951, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the late Daniel Curtis Gates, Jr. and the late Myrle Varnado Gates. He was a resident of Hammond, Louisiana.

Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Mona L. Gates; sons, Marcus T. Marbury (Marc) and Donald C. Gates, Jr. (Kyrt); granddaughter, Monica E. Marbury; daughters-in-law, Abbie M. Marbury and Rachael M. Schustz; his best friend of 65 years, Perry Posten; as well as many close friends and all those whose lives he touched throughout the years.

Don enjoyed spending time outdoors, working on various projects, and working with his hands. He was a problem solver, a musician, and a writer in his younger days. Most of all, he was a loving husband, Dad, grandfather, and friend.

Anyone who met Don can recount the moment of their encounter, as he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His laughter after every sentence and his unforgettable smile are surely remembered by all who knew him.

Don dedicated more than four decades of his life to his career in the construction and engineering industry. He began his career with Brown & Root, where he worked on the construction of the River Bend Nuclear Plant from 1974 to 1986. He went on to work at Exxon Refinery, Turner Industries, and Jacobs Engineering Group, building a long and respected career through the years. Don retired a Foreman from Jacobs Engineering Group in 2016.

He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Curtis Gates, Jr., and his mother, Myrle Varnado Gates.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the celebration of life at The Rock Church & World Ministries 20810 Plank Rd., Zachary, Louisiana 70791, on September 19th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.