Robert Earl Bates

In a culmination to an amazing life, Robert Earl Bates passed away peacefully at his home in Harker Heights on Saturday, December 19 at the age of 72, surrounded by his family. Despite his humble beginnings, Robert's steadfast determination and contagious good-nature made him into a beacon of optimism, generosity, and admiration not only to the family he so deeply loved, but also to all those who knew him.
Robert was born on a small ranch between Gatesville and Purmela to James Adron and Edith Bates on July 8, 1937. While attending Killeen High School, he excelled in the fields of football and track. As a result of his efforts, he and his fellow members of the 1954 Killeen Kangaroo football team made it all the way to the class 2-A State Finals. After the conclusion of his high school career, he attended Tarleton State University on a football scholarship.
Robert happily wed Mary Latham Bates in 1958, and remained so for 40 years until her sudden passing in 2000. However, Robert was fortunate enough to find love again in his marriage to Joan Williams Vann in 2002.
Robert was an amazing man who lived a wonderous and multi-faceted life. After he served for a brief time in the U.S. Armed Forces, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service for almost 10 years. Afterwards, he joined his brothers, Jimmy and Kenny, as owners of Bates Marine and Gulf in downtown Killeen. In 1974, they opened Bates Marine and Datsun, currently Bates Nissan, at its current location in Killeen.
Robert leaves behind his loving wife, Joan, of Harker Heights; daughter Sherri Ann Singley and her husband Tim Singley of Bulverde, as well as his son Jimbob Bates of Belton; two grandchildren Travis K. Singley and Shelbi Ann Singley of Bulverde; his two brothers Jimmy Bates and his wife Gailya of Belton, and Kenny Bates, also of Belton; two step-children, Jan Thompson of Scurry, James Vann and his wife Michelle Vann of Academy; four step-grandchildren, Leann Thompson Chmelar and her husband Boelden Chmelar of Caldwell, Cari Thompson of Kingsland, and Aaron Vann and Cameron Vann of Academy. Robert is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and friends who will all miss him greatly. He has been welcomed into Heaven by his first wife Mary Bates; his father and mother James Adron Bates and Edith Bates; as well as his granddaughter Savannah Singley.
The Bates family wishes to thank Dr. Averitt for his years of warm and compassionate care. They would also like to thank their very kindhearted care-giver Margarete "Monique" Mendoza.
Memorial donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 8700 Crownhill Blvd, Suite 407, San Antonio, Tx 78209.
Visitation will be Tuesday 12/22 from 6-8 pm at Crawford Bowers funeral home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday 12/23 at the Church of Christ at 400 N. WS Young Dr. in Killeen, with Boyce Edwards officiating. Burial will be at Killeen City Cemetary. Following the ceremony, a celebration of Robert's life will be held at the Bates Barn. In remembrance of Robert, please be prepared to share any fond memories or experiences had with a man who truly was a blessing to us all.