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Note: Paul Sr. moved to Garden Grove Calif. in 1960 with his family where he became a professional photographer until 1972. He also learned to fly, and owned a 1947 Stinson aircraft. He worked for several photographic agencies in southern CA. The last agency was Jostens' Yearbook and at the time that Jostens' was ending the photo agency part of their business in the early 1970's he met evangelist Bud Chambers and decided to devote his photographic talent to the Christian faith and moved his family to Oklahoma City.
After moving his family to Oklahoma City, OK. He became interested in the steel guitar and changed careers. He sought private lessons on the steel guitar from Doug Cambell who had played for country artist like Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn.
Paul Gates Sr. became a well-admired professional steel guitar player throughout the 1980's and 90's up until his death and he won the "Oklahoma Steele Guitar Player of the Year Award" in 1995
The early years of being a musician and the many months of being away from home and his family caused stress in his marriage to Carolyn Sue. This led to their divorce although through the late 1970's and early 1980's they tried to reconcile but the divorce was final and each remained friends.
In 1984 home computers were on the market and Paul saw a new opportunity growing. He quickly began learning computer repair and after marrying Karen Ralls opened his own computer repair business in Oklahoma City. Paul Gates Enterprises Inc. his dream was to leave behind a thriving business for his sons Paul Jr and Kevin but he died before he could see this realized. As I have not spoken to Kevin or Karen since my father's death I do not know what has become of his business.
I knew him first as a father then photographer and then a musician; in all he excelled. He left no will but in a last personal conversation I had with him three days before his passing we spoke of death and dying and of his sister Doris June (who preceded him in death). When I asked him if dying scared him (not knowing death was but three days away) he replied "no, but I worry what will become of Kevin"
He was a good friend to many and believed there is good in all.
I remember at his eulogy, a friend (Jimmy Waddell) and musician spoke that he would remember three things about Paul "He enjoyed playing the steel guitar, playing with the computer, and talking on the phone." I will remember him as my "Dad"
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