Thomas James Bates

MANSFIELD, LA--Graveside services honoring the life of Thomas Bates, 84, will be at 11:00 am Saturday, December 23, 2017 at Prude Cemetery in Mansfield, LA with Reverend David Permenter officiating. Thomas was born on May 18, 1933 to Ava and James Bates, Sr. and entered into rest on December 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Howard Bates, Jr. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Virginia Bates of Mansfield, LA; his daughter, Kay Sanders and friend Les Prescott of Bossier City, LA; his brother, Don Bates and wife Becky of Stanley, LA; and a special friend he thought of as his own son, Ricky Weeks and wife Raylene of Stanley, LA. Honoring the life of Thomas as pallbearers will be his nephews. The family would like to give thanks to Rusty Bates, Diane James, Sam Guy, the nurses and staff of DeSoto Retirement and Rehab, the nurses and staff of Superior Hospice, and the beloved Palmer family.