David Raymond Bates

On Friday, April 22, 2022, David, a loving husband, father of four, and a beloved Papa, passed away at home in Edmond, OK. David was born on July 22, 1951, to Raymond Johnson Bates, Jr. and Bette Carroll Bates.

He attended Central State University in pursuit of a degree in Industrial Safety. He was also a member of the Army National Guard and, in 1978, found his calling with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, where he remained until 2013.

David grew up loving the outdoors and had many stories about hunting with his Dad and camping with his family. He always reminded people that I-35 was a dirt road north of 2nd Street and that he and his cousin would often follow a creek to their grandmother's house from their home on 12th Street, shooting at birds and squirrels along the way. Grandmother's house stood where OU Medical Edmond is today.

David loved all sports. His Dad coached his baseball team, playing their games at Barnett Field. They also played against Deer Creek, and he always mentioned there was nothing but farmland between the two towns. He played football and wrestled in High School and lettered in each. His love of sports was in his blood, and he was an avid OU football fan, as evidenced by his OU "shrine" that fills a corner of his living room. He encouraged his kids to play a variety of sports and never missed their games.

David was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Barbara and Dorothy, beloved horse Bandit, and hound dog Annie.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Becky; his four children: Alison Bates, and partner Josh Jervinsky, Kelli Bates, Michael Bates, and wife Heather, and Cecilia Bates; sisters Janie Bates and Beverly McKenna; grandchildren Averi, Logan, and Landon; and a host of cousins; nieces; and nephews.

David fought Parkinson's disease for many years, and he loved going to his Parkinson's Specific Boxing class, "Ready to Fight." The family is forever grateful for this program. It kept his spirits up, kept him motivated, and allowed him to continue doing his favorite things much longer than he possibly could have without the workouts.