David

Bates

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IN LOVING MEMORY

David Carl Bates

Jul 20 1960 - Oct 02 2026

David Carl Bates of Wylie, Texas passed away on October 2, 2026, at the age of 66.

He was born on July 20, 1960, in Dallas, Texas, the son of Carl Ray Bates and Mary Sue Petty. He grew up in Dallas and moved to Princeton in the 7th grade, where he met and eventually married the love of his life, Judy Thomas Bates. The two were united in marriage on August 19, 1988, in their hometown, beginning a partnership rooted in love, faith, and family. Together, they shared a beautiful life with two daughters.

David served his country in the U.S. Army from 1981 through 1983 as an active member of the Motor Transport Division and then until 1986 in the Army Reserves after which he was honorably discharged. During his service he earned numerous honors, medals, ribbons, and distinctions including Sharpshooter with the M-16 rifle and hand grenades. He was proudest of his year spent serving in Germany. 

David learned the plumbing trade from his stepfather, James Spohn and went on to become a master plumber, a career he excelled in where he made many friends along the way.  He was a hard worker, a great boss, and a wonderful teammate who never failed to make people laugh.  

Outside of his career, David was known for his love of fishing, preferring to fish over most everything else.  He was also known for his kind heart, resilience, and unwavering devotion to his family. He was a source of strength and wisdom, and his kindness touched the lives of many. David was known by family as “LittleJohn” and others fittingly nicknamed him “Catfish.”  No matter what you knew him as, he will be deeply missed by all. 

David was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, John Spohn.  He is survived by his wife, Judy (Thomas) Bates, daughter Melissa Dreher and husband Jarred of Allen, Texas, daughter Christina Cagle and her husband, Brandon of Princeton, Texas, grandsons Weston Dreher of Allen, TX and Austin Cagle of Princeton Texas, sister Mary Bates of Princeton, Texas, brother David Spohn (Elaine) of Plano, Texas, brother Randy Spohn (Kelly) of Princeton, Texas, brother Rusty Spohn (Cheryl) of Pottsboro, Texas, sister Debbie (Spohn) Wilson (Robert) of Leonard, Texas, sister Keri (Spohn) Ensey (Marty) of Princeton, Texas, brother-in-law Jeff Thomas (Becky) of Princeton, Texas, and many other extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/. Interment will be held at Ridgeview Memorial Park following the service.

The family will receive guests during a visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday evening, October 7, 2026, at the funeral home.  Flowers are welcome but if you feel led to do so,  please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or other cancer-related charity of your choosing.

Memorials

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