Connie Lynn Heaton Gates

Connie Lynn Heaton Gates of Allentown, Texas passed away Friday, February 16, 2024 in Lufkin, Texas after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born August 23, 1951 in Lufkin, Texas and was the youngest of 12 children born to the late Sarah Delbert (Dunn) and E.C. Heaton.

Connie worked for Lufkin State Supported Living Center and Lufkin ISD as a special needs teachers’ aide.

Connie married the love of her life, Kenneth L. Gates, on March 19, 1988. They enjoyed traveling together in their younger years and still enjoyed fishing together on Lake Sam Rayburn. She was also an avid quilter.

Connie is survived by her husband of 35 years, Kenneth L. Gates; sisters, Linda Ann Ennis of Allentown and Sarah Massingill of Diboll; brothers, Leon Heaton and wife Gayle and Carl Ray Heaton and wife Mary Frances, all of Allentown. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and loved them dearly especially Lisa Kirkland and Jennifer Heaton-Fanning, who were her special caregivers throughout her illness. Her marriage to Kenneth brought a stepdaughter and her husband, Laura and Mark Hobbs, and a stepson and his wife, Kevin and Kim Gates, into her life as well as five step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her brothers, Jarvis Heaton, Burl Heaton, Jurl Heaton and Frankie Joe Heaton; as well as sisters, Ima Jean Heaton, Clarcie Rawlinson, and Linnie Heaton; and niece, Sandie Sloan.

Cremation is under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home and a private graveside service at Gann Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.