Carol Emmington Gates

Carol Emmington Gates of San Antonio, TX passed away on Wednesday, July 6, 2023 at the age of 81. She was born on December 18, 1941 in Oakland, CA. Carol was raised in Fairfield, CA and graduated from Armijo High School in 1959. Upon graduation, she married her husband, Leo Vincent Gates II on July 3, 1959.

Carol had a fulfilling and adventurous life with Leo and their three children. With Leo being in the Air Force, the family moved all over the world including California, Colorado, Florida, Germany, Illinois, Nebraska, Taiwan and finally Texas. The family especially enjoyed their time in Germany where they traveled and camped all throughout Europe.

While in Germany, Carol and Leo took up target shooting. She and Leo participated in the Marksmanship Club for the base where both Carol and Leo were experts in shooting. While living in Converse, TX Carol became the “go to” person to dispatch the rattlesnakes that found their way to the neighborhood.

Because of her expertise in shooting it would only take one shot to dispatch the snakes.

In the 1970s, she enjoyed cake decorating and being a member of the American Women’s Business Association. After Leo retired from the military in 1978, they purchased Hobbies Unlimited in Universal City, TX. In the 1990s and 2000s, Carol enjoyed traveling back to Fairfield, CA to attend Armijo High School reunions and reconnect with high school friends.

She was actively involved in politics and was proud to serve as a council woman in Converse, TX. She was also a passionate member of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Carol and Leo have been supporters of Out Youth Austin, TX for years. Out Youth offers youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities a place where they are loved, acknowledged, and accepted for exactly who they are. Their oldest grandchild, Jaryn, is the Operations and Programs Director of Out Youth Austin.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Vincent Gates II; father Frank W. Emmington; and mother Beatrice (Bea) Dana Emmington.

Carol is survived by her children, Karen Pickens (Richard); Leo Vincent Gates III (Thea); Diane Holbrook (Jeff); her grandchildren Jaryn Holbrook Janeway (Liam); Jessica Stackhouse; and Lee Gates (Sara); her great granddaughter, Aaliyah Stackhouse; her aunt Nadyne Motheral; and her niece Michele Motheral-Eandi (Jeff).

The family would like to thank the staff at the Mission at Blue Skies of Texas and Blue Skies of Texas Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our mom/Gma/GGma in her final days. Mom felt the love and care they gave her and would often tell the staff she loved them.

Carol will be interred at Ft. Sam National Cemetery where the family will be holding a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carol’s memory to Out Youth – 909 E. 49th ½ St. Austin, TX 78751, or a charity of your choice.