Obituary for Melvin Carl Bates
Melvin Bates, age 88 of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, July 27, 2018 at his home in Altus.
Melvin was born one of thirteen children to his parents Hugh and Bessie (Hudgeons) on December 5, 1929 in Crowell, Texas. He grew up in Quanah, Texas and Hollis, Oklahoma where he met the love of his life Joyce Stephens of Gould, Oklahoma. They were married on August 6, 1950 in Hollis and they enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage together before Joyce’s death in 2011. Shortly after getting married Melvin was drafted into the United States Army and served his country in Germany during the Korean War and received an honorable discharge and was a longtime member of the VFW in Altus. When Melvin got back home he and Joyce moved to Altus where he owned and operated Bates Motor Company for over 65 years. Melvin worked hard to take care of his family and enjoyed going to his daughter’s activities and taking the family boating and camping at Lake Lugert. Melvin had many interest and hobbies some of which were going dancing with Joyce and taking numerous trips to Las Vegas where he loved getting people excited around the craps table. But above all else, Melvin loved his family and he treasured the time watching his grandchildren’s activities. He was proud of his family and his daughters and grandchildren. Melvin left a legacy of hard work and happiness that will be a part of their lives forever as the life of the party and making people laugh.
Preceded in death by his wife Joyce Bates; his parents, Hugh and Bessie Bates; numerous brothers and sisters; and his grandson, Kyle Reed; Melvin is survived by his three daughters, Carol Farl and husband Andy of Chickasha, Oklahoma; Susie Huffman and husband Chuck of Norman, Oklahoma; and Donna Roberson and husband Bud of Altus; three sisters, Virginia Williams, Veneta Aaron, and Diane Tatom and husband Glen; a brother-in-law, Jerry Stephens and wife Virginia; five grandchildren, Annesha Robertson and husband Andy, Amanda Roberson, Jennifer Villani and husband Ryan, Carl Roberson and wife Christina, and Heath Huffman and wife Lacy; five great grandchildren, Preston, Reed, Chandler, Thea, and Hayes; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends.
The family will greet friends at visitation from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel in Altus with Mix Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
Lowell-Tims will provide a live web-cast of the service beginning at 12:58 p.m. Monday. Go to www.Lowell-Tims.com and click on Melvin Bates. There will be a blue tab that says “watch webcast†inviting you to join the web-cast.
To sign the online guest book and share memories with the family please visit www.Lowell-Tims.com
To send flowers in memory of Melvin Carl Bates, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Sunday
29
Jul
6:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral Service
Monday
30
Jul
1:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Burial
Monday
30
Jul
Altus City Cemetery
Falcon Road & Veterans Drive
Altus, OK 73521
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