Norman Lee Bates

Norman Lee Bates
12/02/1932 - 09/18/2023
Norman Lee Bates of Houston passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 18, 2023. Norman was born in Lorraine, Kansas on December 2, 1932, to Glen and Velma (Tedman) - Bates.
In 1950 Norman graduated from school in Lawrence KS. Shortly thereafter In 1953, he met and married Beverly Kay Keller in Greensburg Ks. He immediately joined the Army where he served at Fort Sill Oklahoma until 1954.
Norman and Kay raised 2 sons in Houston, where he spent time with them as a Scout Master for troop 621, in Spring Branch and following them through little league and school sports.
Norman began a successful career with the Oil and Gas Industry in New Mexico, then to Texas and California, before moving to the middle east where he and Kay traveled the world extensively while working in Kuwait.
Norman retired in Houston where he was an active member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Arabia Shrine Temple. He belonged to Memorial Lodge #1298 as a life member. His crowning moment, as a Master Mason, was when he was bestowed the 33rd Degree. The highest Honor a Scottish Rite Mason can achieve.
He generously donated countless hours to events benefiting the Shriners Hospital for Children, Scottish Rite and Houston Livestock Association where he was a Lifetime Calf Scramble committeeman.
He and Kay spent much of their retirement years visiting their mountain retreat in Ruidoso, NM where they enjoyed feeding the wild deer and turkey.
Norman was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather.
Kay preceded him in death, after 68 years of marriage, as did his parents and his loving sister, Helen Jean Koehn.
Norm leaves behind two sons Steven and Scott Bates, their wives Terri and Leslie Bates, seven grandchildren Vanessa Brewer, Ryan Bates, Lindsey Schade, Lacy Brooks, Cassandra Bannerman, Courtney Mueller, James DeQuila, as well as twenty-one great grandchildren.
At Norman's bequest, a family graveside service will be held in Greensburg Kansas to celebrate Norms life. He will be laid to rest alongside Kay, the love of his life.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you consider gifting the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Donate to LoveShriners.org
Please sign his guest book and leave memory messages at NeptuneSoceity.com under Norman Lee Bates.