Obituary of Jack & Nancy Gatewood

Bonded together by love for nearly 69 years of marriage, Jack and Nancy Gatewood of Tulsa, OK entered into eternal life separately, less than 16 hours apart. Nancy passed away Jan. 15, followed by her husband Jack the next morning on Jan. 16. Jack D. Gatewood was born in Three Sands, Oklahoma on February 28, 1926. Nancy Ellen Appleby was born in Ash Grove, Missouri on Sept. 26 also in 1926. Having met during high school in Ash Grove, MO Jack and Nancy were married in 1946 upon Jack’s return from service with the U.S. Navy during WWII. After marrying, they moved to Tulsa, OK residing here until their deaths this week. Nancy was a devoted wife and homemaker while Jack built a career in life insurance, working 43 years for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. until his retirement in 2005. The major focus of their lives was making a home for their four sons and enjoying extended family. They were long time members of Memorial Baptist Church in Tulsa. Jack was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and served on numerous Tulsa boards. He was also active in the Rotary Club of Southside Tulsa. Nancy was a member of the American Sewing Guild and used her gifted creativity in numerous ways but especially in designing her own clothing. Their favorite times together were spent with family, friends, and traveling. Jack and Nancy are survived by four sons: Jack Gatewood and wife Janie of Keller, Texas; Brad Gatewood and Todd Gatewood both of Tulsa; and Marc Gatewood and wife Alecia of Cape Coral, FL. They also leave four grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by a sister, Bonnie Paris and a brother, John Gatewood and wife Carolyn all of Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in their honor to DaySpring Villa Women’s & Children’s Shelter at DaySpringVilla.com. Their lives will be celebrated together with visitation prior to the service at 1:00 p.m., service at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2015, both at Memorial Baptist Church in Tulsa. Ninde Brookside Chapel ninde.com 918-742-5556