ABILENE Robert Bates, 83, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in a local medical center in Abilene. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, in Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South, with the Rev. James King and the Rev. Larry Baird officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Robert was born on Nov. 7, 1928, to Robert Lee and Lela Mae Bone Bates in Stamford, Texas. He attended school and later served in the United States Marine Corps. Robert married Novalene Raughton on Dec. 18, 1952. He worked as a salesman for West Texas Wholesale Supply Co. for 37 years and also for Bible Hardware for 12 years. Robert loved people and he never met a stranger. He attended Grace Tabernacle Church, loved his Lord, and read his Bible and prayed every night. Robert also loved and used to raise miniature donkeys. Preceding him in death were his parents; and one brother, Edgar Lee Bates. Survivors include his wife, Novalene Bates of Abilene; his son, Tony Bates of Clyde; his sister, Dottie Lou Southern of Mesquite; and two grandchildren, Ryan and Cody Bates. You may view and sign the guestbook at elliott-hamil.com.
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Bless your heart,i am so sorry for your loss and i have you in my prayers...love and prayers cindy moore
September 27, 2012
Prayers for your family! Heaven has gain at angel!!!
September 26, 2012
Novlene, So sorry for your loss.
September 26, 2012
Novlalene, , Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Shane and Paula bates
September 25, 2012
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Shane and paula
September 25, 2012
Novlene and Tony, I'm for your loss. Robert was truly a great man and will be missed by all who knew him.
Delores Barthlow
September 25, 2012
To Tony and Novlene and family , so sorry to hear about uncle Bob . We cherish all the memories especially our years together in San Angelo . We loved him very much . Patricia and Ronnie White
Pat White
September 25, 2012
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