The Meaning Of A Life.....

Burhman Gates Sr.
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalms 1:3.

Burhman Qullen Gates Sr. passed away at 5 p.m. Monday, July 9, 2007, at his home ending a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born in Ponchatoula on Sept. 4, 1933. He was 73 and a resident of Livingston. He was a very devoted and loving husband, dad and a fun Paw-Paw. He taught Sunday school and served as a deacon for many years. He was passionate about music and an avid gardener. He was a man of few words but always spoke the truth. He was retired from the Louisiana DOTD after 29 years of service. Visitation was at Satsuma Baptist Church, Livingston, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until services at 11 a.m., conducted by Andrew Voss, pastor. Internment was in Herman Simeon Family Cemetery, Red Oak Road, Livingston. Renaissance Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. He is survived by his wife and sweetheart of 46 wonderful years, Erma Simeon Gates; three daughters and a son, Miriam Gates Goetzmann and her husband, Walter, of Muscle Shoals, Ala., Jamie Gates Williams and husband Damion, Theresia Gates Williams and husband Darrin, both of Walker, and Burhman Gates Jr. and wife Nancy of Vicksburg, Miss.; eight grandchildren, Ryan Gates, Brittney Gates Barnett, Waylon Lee, Lynsey Williams and Aaron Williams, Cameron Gates, Trace and Drew Williams; two sisters and two brothers, Ernestine Williams of Fort Worth, Texas, Melba Portier and James Gates, both of Ponchatoula, and Hamilton Gates of Shreveport; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Desrie and Ursula Gates; and two brothers, Henry and Randolph "Dotsy" Gates. Pallbearers were Damion Williams, Darrin Williams, Ryan Gates, Patrick Gates, Justin Barnett and Aaron Williams. Honorary pallbearers were the Satsuma Baptist Church Men's Sunday school class, Henry Williams Sr., Lonnie Stafford and Jacob Lavigne. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Satsuma Baptist Church family for their strong support and Faith Lutheran Church Apartments and Hospitality Apartments of Houston. The family would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation for all the prayers and acts of kindness during this time by friends and loved ones.