Howard Bates

Howard Damon “Dee” Bates, 87 of the Schultz Community, passed away September 11, 2023 at Idabel.
He was born October 5, 1935 the Claude and Gurtha Mathews Bates. As a young man he went to Illinois
to work for Midwestern Contractors as a welder and at one time was considered one of the top in the
country at beads and hot passes. There he became a member of the Aurora, Illinois Masonic Lodge and
later transferred his membership to the Idabel Masonic Lodge.
Dee married the love of his life, Leilla Mae Neuendorf on December 14, 1957. In 1978 they moved back
and build a home in Schultz. He continued to work part time until he retired at age 62. He loved to tell
stories down at “The fox pen” and watch his cows. He enjoyed hunting, especially coon hunting and
running dogs, and he enjoyed horseback riding. His children and grandchildren were very special to
him, however, he lived for his great-grandchildren and looked forward to their visits.
Dee was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Rueben “Rube” Bates; sister, Viola “Bike”
Taylor; brother-in-law, Weldon Farris; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Bates.
He will be remembered by his son, Jeff Bates of the home, Don Bates and wife Kara of Redland; brother,
Nelson Bates and wife Carolyn of Schultz; sisters, Claudean Cox and Edith Farris of Austin, Texas;
granddaughters, Elizabeth Robinson (Joey) of Durant, Amber Bates (Clay Arredondo) of Sherman, Texas;
grandsons, Kyle Bates of Redland, Travis Bates (Cynthia) of Choctaw, Oklahoma; great-grandchildren,
Claire Robinson, Allison Robinson, Vega Arredondo, Roman Arredondo, Aries Arredondo, Eleanor Bates;
a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family will host a graveside inurnment service at a later date.

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