James Leo Bates, 97, of Sadler, Texas was called home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Leo was born on May 10, 1926 in Tioga, Texas to Rev. James Dewey and Pet (Wimberly) Bates. He was a member of Union Street Church of Christ in Whitesboro. He enjoyed painting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Pet Bates, daughter, Phyllis White, and brother, George Bates and brother, Dalton Bates.
He is survived by his son, Richard Anthony Bates of Sadler; son, James Leroy Bates of Carrolton; daughter, Debbie Mills of Angleton, TX; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.
Graveside services honoring Leo will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Oakwood Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Rick Carney. A time of visitation will be held at Meador Funeral Home on Thursday June 1, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
Leo was born and raised in humble conditions as the son of a share cropper during the difficult times of the 1920’s and 30’s and during WWII of the 1940’s. Like many during this time, he was raised on a farm and hard work. He was a hard worker all his life, working all day then coming home to work in the family garden till dark.
Leo’s vocation was a residential house painter in and around Whitesboro, Tx. and Muenster, Tx. for over 50 years. He moved to Sadler in his later years where he retired. He was a true artisan who was dedicated and took pride in his work.
He enjoyed all sorts of outdoor activities, and his passion in life was fishing and playing his fiddle and guitar. He loved family get togethers and if the opportunity arose, to play music with family and friends.
My youngest son, Brandon, always got a kick out of his Grandpa. When we went to visit, Leo would be sitting in his easy chair smoking his pipe. Brandon would ask him what he had been doing and Leo would always answer “Ah, nothing just sitting here waiting for the next thing to happen.”
So sorry Leroy to hear if the loss of your dad. He sounded like a true hero to you all.
Leo was a wonderful man and precious cousin. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for peace and comfort for the family.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time. May God bless and comfort you.
I know what my dad would say to you he would look you straight in the face and tell you not to have heavy hearts not to be sad because ” Hey lve just gone fishing” Love and miss you.
I was raised next door to Mr. Bates with his kids. A great man with a great family. He is one that I will always remember.