Jack Gatewood, 81, of Hamshire, died Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Harbor Hospital of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. He was born on March 4, 1933, in Burkburnett, to Thelma Irene Colson and Ruby Lawrence Gatewood.
Jack is survived by his wife, Wanda Shirley Gatewood, of Hamshire; son, Steve Michael Gatewood and his wife, Becky, of Fannett; grandchildren, Kristin Gatewood Newsom and her husband, Cass, of Fannett and Aaron Michael Gatewood, of San Antonio; and great-grandchild, Kinley Newsom, of Fannett.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers.
After an honorable discharge from the United States Navy, Jack received his undergraduate degree in education from Lamar University in Beaumont and his master’s degree in School Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches. He coached and taught math, served as high school principal, and assistant superintendent during his twenty-six year tenure at Hamshire-Fannett High School. Upon retirement, Jack worked at Region V Education Service Center in Beaumont as Certification Director for thirteen years. After leaving the service center, Jack spent his time traveling with his wife, Wanda, playing golf, and visiting with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.
A gathering of Mr. Gatewood’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2015, at Broussard's, 134 W. Buccaneer Drive, Winnie. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 31, 2015, at First Baptist Church of Hamshire, 25304 Highway 124, Hamshire, with his interment to follow at 3:00 p.m., at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Coldspring.
Honorary pall bearers will be his golfing buddies.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hamshire-Fannett Education Foundation, P.O. Box 223, Hamshire, Texas 77622 or Hamshire Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 153, Hamshire, Texas 77622.
