Bobby G. Bates

Funeral Services for Bobby G. Bates, 82, Clinton resident will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, September 22, 2012 in the Church of Christ, 2601 Custer Ave., officiated by Patrick Peters and burial will follow in the Hydro Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Kiesau-Lee Funeral Home. Bobby Gene Bates was born March 31, 1930 to James W. and Ethel E. (Smith) Bates in Elk City, Oklahoma and passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2012 in the Integris Clinton Regional Hospital in Clinton. Mr. Bates started his young life in Elk City and he was moved to Liberal, Kansas in 1932. The family settled back in Oklahoma, settling in Clinton in 1936. He attended Clinton schools and his father passed away at a young age. He went to work at Bill’s Bakery to help his mother financially keep the house going. He graduated from High School in 1948. He continued working for the Bakery for several years. He was married to Dorethiea “June” Willingham on January 20, 1960 in Wheeler, TX. They made their home in Clinton and he was the shop foreman of Lin Manufacturing CO for numerous years and until its closing. The last several years he has done janitorial work and had yard service. When he was not working he spent numerous hours volunteering at local nursing homes. He was given a special award from on the nursing homes for volunteering and not missing a day for over 10 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two children, James and Timothy Kinsey and two brothers, Duane and Vernon Bates and A sister, Velma Burge. He is a long time faithful and active member of the Church of Christ. He is survived by a daughter, Gena Villanueva and husband, Joel, a son, John Kinsey and wife, Karen, all of Clinton; brother, James Richard Bates and wife, Rosalie, Houston, TX and two brothers in law, Royce Willingham and wife, Carrie and Stan Willingham and wife, Paula, all of Clinton. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Enrique “Rico” Villanueva and wife, Maria, Clinton, Joey Villanueva, Austin, TX, Shannon Kinsey, Enid, Laura Cynor and husband, Walt, Dorris, CA and Brandon Sanders, Clinton.