Donald Leon Bates
Donald Leon Bates, 78, of Sulphur Springs, died on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at Circle of Life Hospice House in Bentonville.
He was born on Jan. 31, 1944, in Jay, Okla., to Ernest C. and Elvarie Bates (Blackford). He was a hard worker who enjoyed working on engines and vehicles, jogging, mowing, woodworking and carpentry and watching westerns.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Danny, James, Robert, Ernest and Johnny; and one sister, Norma.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Bernice Imogene Bates (Bratton); three sons, Ronald Leon Bates of Decatur, Freddie Dean Bates of Sulphur Springs and David E. Bates of Springdale; two daughters, Donna Spence of Colcord, Okla., and Rebecca Jo Heron of Sulphur Springs; one brother, Albert L. Bates of Maysville; four sisters, Christina Ray of Hebner, Okla., Rosalie Bruner of Oklahoma City, Okla., Betty Carpenter of Sulphur Springs, and Bonnie Mason of Tiff City, Mo.; 23 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
A visitation was held at Epting Funeral Home in Gravette from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 16. A graveside service was held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Gravette at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 17, with pastor JR Morgan officiating.
Arrangements are by Epting Funeral Home of Gravette. Condolences may be left at www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.