Donald Gene Bates

Donald Gene Bates. On October 8, 2013 Don Bates of Wharton, Texas entered into eternal rest. He was born February 7, 1942 in Tenaha, Texas to Oliver and Mattie Lou Bates. He passed away two hours before his beloved wife Lynn Bates who was by his side until the end. Theirs was a true love story. Don is preceded in death by his parents and brother George Bates. Don grew up in Tenaha in a loving family. Don was an outstanding high school athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track. Don received a football scholarship from Sam Houston State University and majored in physical education. Don played tight end and played on Sam Houston’s 1964 NAIA National Championship football team. Don received his undergraduate degree and followed with a Masters in Kinesiology. Don married his college sweetheart, twirler / dancer Lynn Rodgers on August 20, 1966. His football coaching jobs took them to Hitchcock, Lumberton, Brownsville, and Wharton ISD’s, as well as to Sam Houston State University, Ranger Junior College, and Wharton County Junior College. Don also worked in the construction industry selling specialty building materials. He worked for Hungerford Brick Company for a few years and the last 26 years with R. M. Rodgers, Inc. (Houston). Don set an example of physical fitness as he ran the Houston, San Francisco, and Boston Marathons. He ran, worked out and rode bicycles for decades. He also won a state doubles horseshoe-throwing tournament. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. He loved his time and friends at the deer lease. His legacy is that of teacher, coach, and friend. Whether in sports, business or life he enjoyed helping others. Being a mentor and role model was his gift. Don’s sense of humor made him endearing to all who were around him. He will be missed. Don Bates is survived by his sister Sara Stupic (Cleveland, Ohio) and niece Judy Schnelle and husband Jerry (Springtown, Texas) and their son Justin his wife Patricia and children Ally, Hannah, and Ian and daughter Jana Lynn Whitsitt her husband Justin and children Tyler, Andrew, Stephanie, and Andi Lynn and nephew Michael Bates (Corpus Christi) and children Sean and Matthew. A Memorial Service for both Don and Lynn will be held Saturday October 26, 2013 at 1:30 pm at the Wharton High School Auditorium, 1 Tiger Avenue, Wharton, Texas 77488. Reception will follow at the Holy Family Life Center, 2009 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation at www.lymphoma.org. A memorial website has been established at ilasting.com where testimonials may be entered and links to the charitable foundation may be found.