Funeral service for Mr. Luther Ellis Bates “The Bird Man”, age 83, of Fayetteville, will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Higgins Funeral Home. Bro. Roger Bates will officiate. Burial will follow in Stewart’s Creek Cemetery. He passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Donalson Care Center.
Mr. Bates was the son of the late Luther E. and Minnie Bates. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean war and earned a purple heart. Mr. Bates loved building bird houses, watching birds, raising his chickens and going to flea markets.
Mr. Bates is survived by his wife of 66 years Mable Lucille Land Bates; sons Troy (Cindy) Bates and Roger (Denise) Bates all of Fayetteville; a daughter Annette Bates Jefferson of Leavenworth, KS; six grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters; a son-in-law Bob Jefferson; and a granddaughter Carol Lynn Bates.
Visitation with the family will be 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Higgins Funeral Home.
Annette, Roger and Troy,
The death of a dear one, whether timely or not, is a trying time for those who know that the world will not be the same without their presence, but will forever remain in your heart. You will be in my thoughts and prayers
Thoughts and prayers To The Bates Family.
troy and cindy and families ,are
are thoughts n prayers are with you and your family
with love and hugs
cindy n jo_ ann
Luther and Mabel have been dear friends of ours for over 50 years. He called and visited Billy Joe as long as he was able.
We are so sorry for your loss; however, he earned his wings and I know he raced into Heaven smiling without pain and suffering.
When God calls our loved ones home, he leaves us with those sweet cherished memories to help us along the way.
Hold fast to those precious memories. May God give you comfort and peace today and in the days to come. Praying for the family.
Billy Joe, Cricket and Cyndi
Luther has been a dear friend of ours for over 1/2 century and we certainly are sorry to hear of his loss.
For years, he and Mabel visited on a regular basis and he continued to call and visit Billy Joe as long as he was able.
Don’t you know, Luther raced into Heaven meeting and greeting all those who had gone on before free of all pain and suffering.
When God calls our loved ones home, he leaves sweet cherished memories to help us along the way.
Hold fast to those precious memories.
May God give you comfort and peace today and in the days to come. Praying for the family.
Sincere sympathy,
Billy Joe, Cricket and Cyndi
Annette,
I was saddened to learn of the loss of your dad. You are often in my thoughts and prayers as I know you continue to mourn the loss of your dear husband. Please know I continue to pray for you and your family.
Cindy Lynn Dunivan
Roger,
Sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this time of grief.
Sincere sympathies,
Robert and Judy Strope
troy n cindy and families ,our thoughts n prayers are with you , we are going to miss our neighbor mr luther bates
we love you both
cindy and joann
Roger sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great guy. Will never forget our hunting trips.