Rev. Matthew David Bates

David was born October 13, 1936 to John Clarence and Laura Bates in Tulsa, and passed away June 29, 2010 in Oklahoma City. He spent over 40 years as an ordained United Methodist Minister in cities and towns all over the state of Oklahoma, including: Avant; Bokchito-Bennington; Oilton; Cleo Springs-Oakdale; Carmen; Guymon; Owasso (built new church); Tulsa Hale Heights; Coweta-Porter (built new educational wing); Ardmore Asbury (built new church); Lawton Heights; Henryetta-Dustin; Oklahoma City Asbury (remodel project); Jenks; Broken Bow-Eagletown; Prague-Arlington; Mannford; and Red Rock. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elaine of Oklahoma City; son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Amy Bates of Richmond, VA; son and daughter-in- law, Phil and Patty Bates of Alpharetta, GA; son and daughter-in law, Steve and Leslie Bates of Garland, TX; and son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Kellye Bates of Oklahoma City; grandchildren, Rachel and Justin Bates of Richmond, VA; Kelsey Bates of Atlanta, GA; granddaughter and son-in- law, Carol and Patrick Camacho of Arlington, TX; Sarah, Mary, and John Bates of Garland, TX; and grandsons, Andy and Billy Bates of Oklahoma City; brother and sister-in-law John and Shirley Bates of Mounds, OK; sister, Grace Starr of Okmulgee,OK; former daughter-in-law Burneele Bates of Atlanta, GA; and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Aileen. David was a loving husband and father and always wanted what was best for his family. In his later years, he suffered a great deal. We all know that now he is in a much better place. He loved God and was a very devoted clergyman who served all of his churches to the best of his ability. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. There will be a visitation on Friday evening, July 2, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bill Merritt Funeral Home, 6201 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK, 73008. The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 3, at Putnam City United Methodist Church 5819 NW 41st St., Oklahoma City, OK, with Dr. Bob Kanary officiating. Graveside and interment services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, in the Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, OK, 51st Street at Memorial Drive, Tulsa, OK, 74145. If desired, memorial donations may be made to The United Methodist Church Circle of Care, 1501 NW 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73106.

Condolence may be made to Billmerrittfuneralservice.com

Arrangements under the direction of Bill Merritt Funeral Service, Bethany, OK.