Don Wesley Bates

Don Wesley Bates, of Groesbeck, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 20, 2024, while at the Skilled Care in Mexia, at age 71.

Don was born December 30, 1952, in Corsicana to Johnie Wesley Bates and Flora Geneva (Swafford) Bates.   He grew up there in Corsicana and was baptized at Memorial Baptist Church when he was young.   He graduated from Corsicana High School, which was a matter of great pride for his family and himself, as being the first member of the family to graduate from high school.

Don worked in various jobs including construction and for Guardian Glass Co. in Corsicana for many years.   However, he was most proud of his work on the Tippee Ranch outside Groesbeck, where he really enjoyed baling hay and feeding cows, as well as fishing and hunting deer and coyotes.   He took his nephew Jonathan with him for many of these hunting and fishing adventures and was like a father to him.  

Don liked riding through the countryside and taking pictures of deer and other animals and even crazy storms. He even offered to take wedding photographs for friends.  His cameras, tripod and all the equipment with them were his treasures, along with his guns and hunting gear.   When he retired from work at the ranch, he lived at Groesbeck.

Don loved his family, and helping people, even when he had no money.  Don had worked for Glenda Pruner, and they developed an inseparable friendship.   She was his dearest friend and there for him when no one else could be, until the day he died.   

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Johnie and Flora Bates; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Buddy Nevill, Judy and Pete O’Rear and Wanda and Larry Holstien; sister-in-law Barbara Bates; grandson Michael; and 3 nephews, Mickey Nevill, Chris Holstien and Adam Bates and one niece, Sarah Kirkland.

He is survived by his four granddaughters, Jocelynn Bates, Riley Bates, Elizabeth Bates and Callie Bates; brother and sister-in-law, Ricky & Tina Bates of Gholson; and sisters Debbie Williams of Waxahachie and Denise Black of Grandview. His surviving nieces and nephews include Mike Nevill, Mark Nevill, Roger Nevill, Joni Nevill and wife Sarah, Dana Mauppin, Wendy Treadway and husband Billy, Jonathan Holstien and wife Jennifer, Tim Holstien, Amy Higgins and husband Luke, Jonathan Boggs, who was like a son to him and wife Monica, Tiffany Robinson and husband Tony and Taylon Black. He is also survived by his oldest and dearest friend, Glenda Pruner.

The family would like to thank the staff at Limestone Medical Center, especially those in the wound care center for the exceptional care they have given Don the last several years. The family also appreciates the home health care workers and the staff at Skilled Care of Mexia that have been so instrumental in caring for Don.