Cherokee Village - Frank L. Bates, Sr. 90 passed away Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home. He was born on October 1, 1925 in Black Rock to George and Bessie Propst Bates. He married Doretha Starnes on December 25, 1953 in Black Rock. Frank served in the navy during WW11 and was in the Pacific Theatre. He was a machinist and of the Baptist belief.

Preceding him in death were: his parents; brothers, Arbie Bates and George Bates,Jr.; half sisters, Mary, Lou, and Margie.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Doretha "Dee Dee" Starnes Bates of the home; sons, Mark Bates, Frank Bates, Jr., and Dan Bates, all of Cherokee Village, Bobby Bates of Hardy, Michael Bates of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Thursday from 11 am-1 pm at Cox Funeral Home with Funeral services following at 1:00 pm at Cox Funeral Home Chapel in Walnut Ridge with Reverend Harold Russell officiating. Burial will be in Oak Forest Cemetery at Black Rock with military honors rendered.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are sons and grandsons.