GATES

Lorene (Campbell) Gates, 96, of Columbus, passed away Apr. 2 in Columbus.

Lorene was born Nov. 5, 1925 in Hallettsville. After graduation from high school in 1943, she went to Houston and worked as a cashier and secretary at American National Insurance. In 1944 she obtained her license to sell insurance.

In 1947 Lorene began her employment at the First State Bank as secretary to the President. She held many positions during her employment at First State Bank. After 42 years, she retired as Vice President. After her retirement, Lorene played Bridge and enjoyed many years of travel.

Lorene married Richard “Dick” Gates on June 8, 1978.

She was active in First Baptist Church from the age of 14 serving as a Sunday School teacher, training union and various committees.

Lorene served as secretary for the Salvation Army for 20 years. In 1991 she was voted as one of three Outstanding Older Texans for special recognition for her volunteer and community service in Colorado County.

Lorene is survived by granddaughter Sheryl Emmel and fiancé Chris Panos; great-grandchildren Cody Jowers and wife Aysia, Briana Jowers and fiancé Nathan Arnold, and Weston Emmel; great-great-grandchildren Tatum Soto and Charli Jowers; son-in-law William Carl Schmidt; numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer James Campbell and Laura (Speed) Campbell; husband Dick Gates; daughter Carol Schmidt; five brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be Monday, Apr. 11 from 1-2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Columbus. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Pastor Victor Morrison will officiate.

Burial will be in Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus.

Serving as pallbearers are John Campbell, Mark Campbell, Chris Panos, Weston Emmel, Nathan Arnold and Brian Emmel.

Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.