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Submitted: 7/16/21 • Approved: 7/18/21 • Last Updated: 7/21/21 • R1382297-G0-S3
October 10, 1945 - June 17, 2020
Donald Wayne “Don” Bates, 74, of Hot Springs was born October 10, 1945. He transitioned to heaven on June 17, 2020. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lola Bates; two brothers, Junior and Shirley Bates; Winford and Martha Bates; and Helen Bates.
Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pamela Kay Bates, one son, Geoffrey and Kristin Bates of Farmington, Arkansas; one daughter, Tiffany and Chris Corjay of Hot Springs, Arkansas; seven grandchildren, Alexander and Kayleigh Corjay; Kaylynn and Grayson Bates, Ethan and Landon Oxford, Payton McKee; one brother, Jack and Dianne Bates and one sister, Sue and Don Beasley; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Don was the owner of Bates Remodeling and Construction Company Inc. He was a graduate of Cutter Morning Star High School and attended Ouachita Baptist University. Don was the Steer Wrestling Director for the Arkansas Rodeo Association, and he served on the Garland County Mounted Patrol with his father for many years. A horseman and rodeo cowboy, Don competed in calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling, for which he won many awards. He served as President of the Garland County Seniors Golf Association. He was a member of the National Home Builders Association. An avid golfer, Don enjoyed competing in many tournaments, winning the HSCC Senior Net Championship. He played basketball, softball and baseball in high school, was a member of his college baseball team, and extended his love of sports into league play as an adult. He loved to travel, and spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Don’s relationship with Christ was important to him, and he shared his faith by the example he lived as he served his church and the community. He attended First Pentecostal Church until 2007, where he served on the building committee and many construction projects of the church, including the construction of the Family Life Center. He led the remodeling project at St. John’s Catholic Church, and in 2007 became a member of Lake Valley Community Church, which he faithfully attended.
People who knew Don were moved by his humorous personality and generous spirit. His quiet remarks brought laughter and joy to the hearts of his many friends. He taught his family what it meant to give from the heart. In recent months, Don’s gift of generosity to his community was seen in the town of Mountain Pine as he provided materials and supplies for the remodeling of a home and was actively helping in the establishment of a food bank to provide for people with needs in the community. He had a vision for the future of Mountain Pine and the wonderful people he felt called to help. His family remembers the lessons that he taught as he bought vehicles for people and gave to the homeless. Don brought smiles to the faces of those who were hurting, and gave selflessly.
There will be Celebration of Don’s life at a graveside service on Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 pm at Hollywood Cemetery with Rev. Lamar Trieschmann officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are Don’s dear and best friend, Ronald Jarrell, Sandy Turnquist, Steve Crain, Dr. Bill Wright, Keith Arman, Jim Burris, Barry Howard, Tim Bumpus and Butch Gall.
Honoring Don’s example of giving, In Lieu of Flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to: The Mountain Pine Food Bank 1603 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. Memorial Donations will be used directly for the Mountain Pine food bank and may also be made through risechurch.churchcenter.com designate MtPine Food Bank.
Contributed on 7/16/21 by debbraszymanski
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Record #: 1382297