Michael Eugene Bates, 65, was born on October 7, 1958, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to O.D. Clayton Bates and Catherine Elizabeth (Jobe) Bates. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clayton Bates; sister, Barbara Alvarez; nephew, Charles Bates and great-niece Shelby Kay Lynn White.

Michael spent most of his life in the Fort Towson, Oklahoma area. He proudly served his country in the US Navy and often spoke about it. Michael served on the USS Saratoga and the USS Montakia, during the Post Vietnam era. After his return home, he became a truck driver until his retirement, but he also loved his time in the oil fields. Michael was a prankster and if he was able to make someone mad doing it, he loved it even more. Michael was never idle and was always on the move, whether it be hunting, fishing or spending time with his family. He very much enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his nephews and nieces and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Michael is survived by his sisters, Agnes Daniels of Idabel, OK; and Deborah and Keith Wilson of Redland, OK; nieces, Della Daniels, Trina and Shannon Long of Kulli, OK and Randa Hamil of Haworth, OK; nephews, David Daniels of Florida; Eddie and Holy White of Goodwater, OK and Willey Jo Bates of Hugo, OK; great nieces, Chesney and Alyssa Long of Kulli, OK; Kaylynn Hamil of Haworth, OK; Stormie and Akadia Daniels of Florida; and Catherine Burks; great nephews, Damon and Dalton White of Goodwater, OK; Ruger Long of Kulli, OK and Sawyer Hamil of Haworth, OK; special cousins, Sharon Ridenour of Hugo, OK; Vickie and Jon Priddy of Ft. Towson, OK; Janice Bowling of Ft. Towson, OK and Shirley Carroll; along with a host of other family, friends and loved ones.