Ernest Alvin Bates

Ernest (Ernie) Alvin Bates of Kingsland, Texas, entered into eternal rest on September 28, 2026, at 97 years old. He was born on May 10, 1929, in Olden, Eastland County, Texas to Hattie Vaughn and Thomas Bates. Ernie is proceeded in death by his parents, his loving wife Zelda Bates, his stepmother Oleta Bates, his brothers and sister Tommy and Jerry Bates, and Patricia Henson.

Following Ernie’s service in the United States Air Force, he married the love of his life, Zelda Bernice Bates in Fort Worth Texas on July 15, 1954. They had 52 years together before her passing May 27, 2006. He graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Ernie started his career with the Gulf Oil Corporation at the former Fort Worth Texas Bulk Terminal and was later promoted into Sales and Marketing. Ernie retired from Gulf Oil Corporation as a Marketing Manager in Dallas, Texas.

Ernie is survived by his son Gary (Mary) Bates and his daughter Ruthey (Don), Houtz. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Sarah (Colten) Brackin, Lauren (Benjamin) Lavigne, Danielle (Santiago) Cruz, William Houtz, Christopher Houtz and 5 great-grandchildren, Cristian, Alex, and Bella Cruz, Peyton and Ellie Lavigne.

Visitation for Ernie will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm, at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home located at 1805 Highway 281 N, Marble Falls, Texas. A private family burial will take place on Saturday October 10, 2026.