David E. Bates

FARMINGTON - Reverend David E. Bates of Farmington, departed this life and entered into eternity on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at his residence at the age of 68 years with his heart prepared to meet his Savior and his guitar in hand. He was born March 21, 1946 at Ironton the son of Iva "Aline" (Henson) Bates and the late Paul Elwood Bates. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by a son Jonathan Bates. David grew up in the Bismarck area and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1964. At the age of eight he met Miss Marilyn Barnes. David and Marilyn quickly became best friends and started a relationship that soon grew into love and the two were married on May 17, 1967. He proudly served his country in the Army as an Artillery Sergeant Specialist serving over seas during the Vietnam War. Following his service David returned home, and began a career working as a salesman, and eventually a sales supervisor and trainer for the Bunny Bread Co. then later the Holsum Bakery Co. During this time David attended night school for Business Management, and later enrolled in Bible College by correspondence at Hillsdale College. In 1977 he received the call to the Gospel Ministry and was ordained in the Free Will Baptist Church. He served in the Free Will Baptist Church in Farmington as an associate pastor and music director and in Santa Paula, CA as senior pastor. In 2008, he became the pastor of Grace Community Church in Knob Lick where he served until the time of his death. David was an amazingly talented musician and enjoyed singing and playing music for church, his family, and friends. While serving as Music Director at Farmington First Free Will Baptist Church, he was also the director and a member of the Gospel Quartet "MasterPeace" performing at various local churches and community events. In addition to his music, David enjoyed the daily operation of his "other love," The Bates Farm, where he was in his element raising various livestock, but was primarily known for his high quality Myontonic Tennesse Fainting Goats, and his "informative" Face Book video clip broadcasts. "This is David Bates on The Bates Farm." He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him including his wife Marilyn (Barnes) Bates of Farmington, his mother Aline (Henson) Bates of Farmington, two daughters, Judy (& Kevin) Russell of Farmington, and Jacque (& Travis Mendenhall) Bates of Farmington, a son Aaron (& Cassie Hill) Bates of Farmington, a brother Tom (& Jane) Bates of Farmington, a sister Paula Bates of Farmington, nine grandchildren Whitney Russell, Nate Rothlisberger, Logan Russell, Nic Rothlisberger, Jake Hill, Brooke Hill, Brooklen Mendenhall, Jayden Russell, and Jadelen Mendenhall. He is also survived by his Church Family, and numerous other relatives, dear friends, and good neighbors. Friends may call from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory. A VFW memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday. Visitation will resume Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Grace Community Church at the Nelson Music City Theater at Knob Lick with a funeral service at 1 p.m. Interment with full military honors will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the Grace Community Church, VFW Post 6947 of Bismarck or the Siteman Cancer Center. View the tribute video, the online obituary and share your memories and condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Friday, January 2, 2015 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Interment Service

Hillview Memorial Gardens

Saturday, January 3, 2015 Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service

Grace Community Church

Saturday, January 3, 2015 01:00 AM Knob Lick, MO 63651 Directions Visitation

Grace Community Church

Saturday, January 3, 2015 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM Knoblick, MO 63651 Directions