Edward Bates

Edward Gerald Bates, 68 of Lubbock passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021, after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was born September 5, 1953, to Melvin and Betty Joyce (Baker) Bates in Odessa, Texas. Edward graduated from White Oak High School in 1972. He married Debbie (White) Bates on August 30, 1975, at Emanuel Baptist Church in White Oak. They were happily married for 46 years, and had one daughter, Kasi Bates. In his early years he enjoyed playing football for White Oak, where he met some of his lifelong friend. He also enjoyed playing softball, bowling, and other recreational sports. Besides being a talented carpenter, he was employed for Gregg County Prec. 1 for over 30 years before retiring in 2019. He loved hunting with all his brothers in East Texas, watching football games with his daughter, spending time with his grandchildren, and traveling with is wife. His grandchildren knew him as "Grumpy". Edward proclaimed his love for God and was of the Baptist faith. His memory and legacy will live with us forever.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debbie; his daughter, Kasi Sierra; two grandchildren, Makenzie Swift, Drake Swift; siblings, Melvin Bates, Brenda Bradshaw, Albert Bates.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Wayne Bates.

God saw you getting tired, a cure was not to be. So, he put his arms around you, and whispered, "Come with Me."