Steven Eric Gates

Steven Eric Gates changed his address peacefully Sunday morning, August 27th 2017, in his sleep. He was met at his new home by Jesus and his dad Ron. How lucky is he! I ask not that you pray for Eric; he is in a perfect place full of love and happiness where we all dream of being someday. Instead, pray for the family and friends he left behind. Pray that they find comfort knowing they will all be together again someday. Eric is not lost because we know where he is and, most importantly, Who he is with. Though we may not fully understand God's plan, we are comforted by believing Eric humbly fulfilled the purpose he was meant to serve. Eric was the most amazing and dedicated father, husband and son. His life revolved around raising our children to be the best people possible. He encouraged them to be Christians and spread goodness and love into the world. He loved sports, had a wonderful sense of humor and was an avid historian. Had he known that he would leave us so soon, he would have written his own obituary full of irony and humor. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in history and was near completion of his master's degree. He was graced to perform his dream job teaching high school history in the Putnam City school system for 6 days before he passed. He is survived by his wife, soulmate and best friend Lisa Gates, and the loves of his life (his four children), Lilliana, Chloe, Carter and Nicolette. He is also survived by amazing and supporting mother Cynthia Gates, the father that raised him Michael "Pops" Mobley, his personal Yoda John Morozuk, fellow troublemaker brothers Ben and Mike Patnode, adored sister Laura Mobley, brother in spirit Stephen Parker. Other survivors are wonderful aunts and uncles Cal and Jeanie Bowman, Jimmy and Ruth Ann Brown, Aggie Walters, Martha and Lloyd Elliott, Jerry "Bud" and Sharon Gates, Sherry Ewing and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Eric was preceded in death by his father Ronald L. Gates who passed away when Eric was only 6 months old, Grandparents Anna Gates-Peterson, Jud Gates, Virginia and Dr. James E. Brown, Gladys Mobley, Aunts Alice Burdg, Irene "Wickie" Reeder and Uncle Christopher Mobley. A celebration of Eric's life will take place on Saturday, September 2nd at 5:00 PM with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to gofundme.com at "Eric's Gift". Eric was a huge sports fan and was very excited about the upcoming football and basketball seasons. If you desire, wear either an OU or Thunder shirt to honor of his love of sports and support his favorite teams.