Thomas N. Bates

© Amarillo Globe-News

Feb. 22, 2002

Used With Permission

PAMPA - Thomas N. Bates, 77, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2002.

Memorial services will be at a later date in Tucson, Ariz. Arrangements are by Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Directors Memorial Chapel of Amarillo, Fifth Avenue and Pierce Street.

Mr. Bates was born Jan. 11, 1925, in Drumright, Okla., to Thomas C. Bates and Ora Powell Bates. He graduated from Miami High School and attended Texas A&M University and Oklahoma City University.

He was a radioman in the Navy during World War II, serving in the Philippines and New Guinea. He married Bette Saunders in 1947 at Pampa. They lived in Oklahoma City for eight years and Tucson for 14 years.

He was a former member of Kiwanis Club, VFW, NRA, Sheriffs Association of Texas and Tucson Shooters Club and taught gun safety. He was an avid hunter who won many awards in shooting.

He was a member of Westside Church of Christ in Pampa. He taught young men's Bible training class in Tucson for 14 years. He retired from Dunlaps as assistant manager after several years. After retirement, he and his wife, Bette, enjoyed traveling. He enjoyed hunting with his metal detector.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and a sister, Virginia Alison in 1998.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Jon Tod Bates of Amarillo; a nephew, Ronald Allison and wife, Deb, of Abilene; two nieces, Rebecca Allison of Abilene and Cathy Hicks of Marana, Ariz.; and special friends, Ward Plato of Tompkinsville, Ky., Ray DeWitt of Pampa and Ralph McLaughlin of Laketon.

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