Donald 'Don' R. Bates

Donald “Don” R. Bates, 72, of Kimball, died at his home in Kimball on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Cantrell Funeral Home with Pastor Lorri Kentner officiating. Burial was held in the Kimball Cemetery. Friends called from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Friends may also visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view his Tribute Wall and leave condolences and stories for the family. Memorials for Don may be given in his memory to the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department for use by the Red Knights. The services for Don have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.

Donald Ray Bates, born on July 26, 1952, in Wann, Oklahoma Don graduated from Lenapah High School in 1970 and soon after moved to Kimball, where he built a long and diverse career in the oil field. Over the years, he worked in many roles, dedicating the last several years of his working life to Allen Heim Pumping before retiring.

Don had a passion for life’s simple pleasures, often found tinkering in his garage with old cars or adding to his impressive collections of guns, knives, and Budweiser beer mugs. A family man at heart, Don cherished his time with his grandkids and siblings. He found great joy in their company, whether telling stories, playing dominoes, or engaging in a competitive game of cribbage. His warm presence, sense of humor, and love for family will be remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

Don’s life was a testament to hard work, loyalty, and love for his family and friends. His legacy will live on in the countless memories shared by those who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be missed by many.

Survivors include his companion Lynnette Cederburg of Kimball, NE; sons Donnie (Heather) Cole of Marshall, MO., Gary Vincent of Kimball, NE., Bob (Fawney) Vincent of Kimball, NE and Mike (Krista) Vincent of Buckeye, AZ; daughters Donna (Keith) Fehr of Kearney, MO., and Jennifer (Josh) Gillming of Bushnell, NE; brother Garry (Renee) Bates of Bismark, NE; ssister Edna (Bob) Doebel of South Coffeeville, OK., Donna O’Daniel of Coffeeville, KS., Theda (Doug) Muller of Childers, OK: 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bonnie Bates-Rosser; son Robert Bechtel brothers Larry, Jim and Bert; and sister Audrey Bates-Daniels.