Charles Bates passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, February 6, 2023, at the age of 92. He was born in Antlers, Okla., on April 11, 1930, to John and Elsie (Burgess) Bates.
Charles was a farm boy who grew up to serve proudly in the United States Army. He fought bravely in the Korean War and the Vietnam War where he earned two Bronze Stars. He graduated from the Christ for the Nations where he became an Evangelist, where he thoroughly loved serving the Lord and would pray for anyone who needed him. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping but rarely took advantage of time off because he loved to work. In his later years he enjoyed spending time with his family and getting to watch them grow up. Charles will be greatly missed by all that had the honor of knowing him.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his two sons, Alan Brown and his wife Kim of Biddenford, Maine, and John Bates and his wife Deborah of Argyle, Texas; his grandchildren: Charlie Bates, Richard Bates, John Bates, Dillon Bates, Eric Brown, Candi Brown, Alannah Brown, and Britt Brown along with his niece and caregiver with whom he lived with, Kelly Bates.
Preceding Charles in death are his parents, John and Elsie Bates; all of his siblings: Carmen Bates, WJ Bates, Calvin Bates, Wyman Bates, Dorothy Scott, Robert Bates, and one daughter, Tina Bates Dennis. He is also preceded in death by his two wives, Mela Bates whom he was married to for 46 years, and Frances Bates, whom he was married to for 19 years.
Funeral service was held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Bethel officiating. Serving as pallbearers: Charles’ two sons John Bates and Alan Brown, grandsons John R. Bates, Charlie Bates along with Clifford Scott and Wayne Elliott. Honorary pallbearer will be Richard Bates.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. www.holmescoffeymurray.com