Denton Bates

Denton Odell Bates, 78, of Haskell, Texas, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Friday, December 25, 2020.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Haskell. A memorial graveside service at Willow Cemetery will follow the visitation at 2:00 PM.

Denton was born July 8, 1942 in Gomez, Texas to Walter and Mattie Lee Stegall Bates. Denton was the youngest of five children. He served in the United States Army for 9 years, and most of that time was spent in Germany. Denton was in the nursing home business for over 40 years. He worked his way from a maintenance position, to administrator and eventually an owner of multiple nursing homes. Denton was a life-long learner, who was never afraid to tackle a challenge or try something new. He was a tireless worker, whether in his business endeavors, working at the ranch or in his garden, or simply taking care of his chickens. Denton loved all of these things; but his greatest love was his family, specifically his wife, children and grandchildren.

Denton was married to Doris Ann (Dee) Bates on December 3, 1979, in Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. Together, they built a beautiful life. They enjoyed time at the ranch; hunting and just observing nature. They traveled to many different states and countries, bringing back treasured memories from all over the world. One favorite destination was South Padre Island, where you could find Denton fishing for trout or red snapper in the bay. Recent years were spent closer to home, following their grandchildren in their many activities.

Denton was preceded in death by his parents, four siblings: Rose Crisswell, Louise Richardson, Kenneth Bates, and Jack Bates; and an infant daughter, Leslie Bates.

Denton is survived by his wife, Doris Ann (Dee) Bates, of Haskell, Texas; son, Tim Aurich and wife Angela of Bradenton, Florida; daughter, Lori James of The Woodlands, Texas; son, Jason Hall and wife Lanesa of Stamford, Texas; and son T.K Bates and wife Missy of Vidor, Texas; 9 grandchildren - Nicholas Hosek, Hunter Lutz, Lindsay Lutz, Ashton James, Chloe Hall, Karsten Hall, Shelby Fregia, Luke Paul and Noah Paul; and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Please join us in remembering the life of a wonderful man, for he lived life to the fullest and loved so well.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.