Donald O. Bates, 94 years old, of Houston, Texas, passed from this life on November 13, 2025. He was born on February 3, 1931, to Albert and Helen Bates, in Orange, Texas.
Loved one’s biography: Donald was born in Orange, Texas to Helen and Albert Bates on February 3, 1931. He grew up in Orange and graduated from Stark High School. Following graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Wright Patterson AFB during the Korean War era. While at Wright Patterson he met fellow airman, Glenmary Smith. They were married in 1952 and after four years in the Air Force they were Honorably Discharged and move to Orange, Texas. Following his discharge, he completed his accounting degree at Lamar University in Beaumont. Following graduation Donald and Glenmary moved to Houston Texas with their young daughter Pam. Donald worked at Hughes Tool Company while their family grew with the births of Laura, Tim, and Mindy. Donald and Glenmary centered their lives around family and church. Donald was very active in Temple Methodist Church. He served the church in various layman positions. Church was a mainstay in his life from Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night. After almost two decades at Hughes Tool he and family moved to Cypress and began working at TRW. He continued his career with Drilco before starting his own drawback company dealing with oilfield materials. After 20 years as his own boss he retired at 72 to care for his wife, Glenmary. During this time, Donald was involved with Lakewood Methodist Church. He was part of the original founding members of this church. He remained active in this church for over 50 years. From travels through Alaska, Canada, Utah, and Europe, Donald and Glenmary lived an adventurous life of retirement. He was an avid reader and lover of history. He continued to read and learn his entire life. He donated to numerous charities and even after losing a daughter to cancer and the death of his wife he always loved God and life. He will be dearly missed by those who loved him and knew him. All of our lives are filled with memories of Dad, Grand Pa, and Donald Bates. A husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, and a friend and neighbor.
Those left to cherish his memories are: His children, Laura Bates College, Timothy Donald Bates, and Mindy Bates Ferrar. His Sons-In-Law, Thomas Bogart, David College, and Brian Ferrar. Grandchildren, Thomas Ethan and Mary Helen Bogart, Donald, Holly, and Jake Meyer, Collin and Keegan Bates, and Drew and Kaitlie Purser Maskus, and 10 Great Grand Children.
He was preceded in death by: Parents, Albert and Helen Bates, Wife, Glenmary Bates, and Daughter, Pamela Bates Bogart.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Klein Funeral Home-Champions. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 10:45 am at Houston National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 10:00 am at Lakewood Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tunnels 2 Towers in honor of Donald O. Bates.
Social Media