Gates, Frank Thomas, 89, went home to be with the Lord, January 16, 2012. A resident of Louisville since 1945 and a native of South Norfolk, VA now known as Chesapeake, VA. Frank was co- founder of Gates & Lenz Optical Company, later known as Gates, Stocker, & Lenz and retired as an optician from Wood Optical Company. He was past president of Kentucky Guild of Prescription Opticians and the Society of Dispensing Opticians of Ky. He served the community as a member of the Louisville Kiwanis Club and was a member Lorraine Lodge No. 4 Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F). He was a founding member of Beechmont United Methodist Church, presently a member of Epworth United Methodist Church. Frank was a 55-year member of the Gideons International, Louisville S.W. Gideon Camp. Being honored with many medals, he was an Army veteran of WWII, serving in General Patton's 3rd Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, the former LaVerne Miller.
Survivors include his present wife of 30 years, the former, Verla F. (Greenhill) Flannery; daughters, Laura Palmore (Al), Brenda Poston (Robert), and Karen Smith (Benjamin) of Atlanta; sister, Martha Spatarella of New York; step sons, Dr. Anthony Flannery (Robin) of Glasgow and Martin Flannery; step daughter, Paula McGuffey (Allan); 13 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren.
Funeral service will be 11am Friday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday 2-8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International Camp #U16076 Attn: Jeff Tate, 10713 Alberta Drive, Fairdale, KY 40118.