Lawrence Morris Bates

Morris' parents were Lawrence and Ardella Bates who were long-time residents and business owners in Odessa. In his early years, the Bates family lived in Penwell and then moved to Odessa. Morris was the oldest of four brothers that included Foy Bates (of Odessa), Pat Bates (of Graham, TX) and W.D. "Mooch" Bates (of Odessa).

Morris graduated from Odessa High School in 1939, and in 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving his country for three years during World War II (stationed in the Philippines). After the war, he attended college in Oklahoma and returned to work in the family well servicing business following his father's death.

On September 7, 1947, Morris married Reba Jo Grewell and they were very happily married for 65 years until Reba Jo's passing in December of 2012.

Morris, Reba and his brother Foy Bates became business partners in 1952, when they opened Bates Appliance. They later acquired Tripp Powder Company from their cousins and maintained this partnership for over 40 years.

Morris and his family were always active in the First Methodist Church of Odessa where he ushered and served various roles. A devoted Christian and family man, Morris was a very kind and compassionate person that was slow to anger. He had a loving heart and a sincere empathy for people and their feelings. He was extremely dedicated and committed to everything that he did with special emphasis on his family commitment. As characteristic, in the late 1990's, Morris and Reba fully dedicated their lives to helping to care for their terminally ill grandson, Scott Coleman.

Morris and Reba's relationship was reflective of his dedication with their having 65 years of marriage. Morris had a work ethic that was unprecedented and he loved to be busy and active. He always had a very close relationship with his three brothers, Foy, Mooch, and Pat, and his brother-in-law Charlie Grewell, regularly spending time together.

Morris is survived by his brother Foy Bates, daughter Debbie Bates Coleman of Houston; son Bater Bates and wife Abbey of Dallas; and three grandchildren Barry Bates Coleman and wife, Ruby, Mason Bates, and McKenzie Bates; his brother-in-law Charlie Grewell, as well as other Bates family members of Odessa, Graham, and Monahans, and local extended family.

A memorial service to celebrate Morris' life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Odessa.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home of Odessa.