January 2, 1938 - January 28, 2014
David S. Bates, 76, of Hearne, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Temple.
David served in the U. S. Navy. A flag draped his casket and was folded at the graveside by his grandson, Mathew Collette, who is currently serving in the military. David was a butcher by trade and an avid fisherman.
A visitation was held Thursday, January 30, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Heartfield-Ritter Funeral Home. A funeral service was held Friday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home with interment immediately following the service at Wheelock Cemetery. Officiantes were Bubba Alfred and Dale Wells. Organist was Dianne Blackmon. Pallbearers were Steve Inman, Mark Inman, Jerry Elliott, Leonard Rogers, Mathew Collette, David Eldridge, and Robert Werner. Serving as Honorary Pallbearer was Harold Gassen.
David was preceded in death by his parents, David Newsome Bates and Effie Jo Bishop Bates; a sister, Martha Sue Templeton; and a son, Gerald Welch.
David is survived by his wife, Jarrell Dean Bates of Hearne; sons and daughters-in-law, David S. Jr. and Annie Bates of Hearne, Michael Craig and Stephanie D. Bates of Hearne, Gene and Glenda Welch of Tyler, Glenn and Melissa Welch of Franklin; a daughter, Debra Jean Bates of Iola; brothers and sister-in-Law, Norman Bates of New Baden, Edward and Janie Bates of Bryan, Steve Bates of Hearne; brother-in-law, Joe Templeton of Houston; sisters and brother-in-law, Ina Jo and James Williams of Normangee and Madelin of Bryan; 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were entrusted to Heartfield-Ritter Funeral Home.
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