Donald Bates

Donald L Bates was born March 7,1961 in Auburn NY. In the 1970's their father, Donald Sr, died tragically in a hotel fire. It was then that the children were moved to PHX, AZ where they were reunited with their mother Elizabeth. Not long after, Elizabeth married Leroy Simmons, who as Don & Susie often described him became "the dad he did not have to be". Don felt the "call" to become a minister & after obtaining his license with the UPCI he moved to Flagstaff to assist Rev & Mrs.Joyce Lee. In 1982, he met his wife to be, Belinda & they married on 10/22/1983. They returned to PHX in 1984 where he served as he grew under Rev GE Wesson & Rev Tim McCary. He returned once again to Flagstaff in 1998 to pastor. Eventually he moved to Clovis New Mexico joining the ALJC A mechanic by trade he loved tools,, loved buying tools, guitars, photography. cooking and mostly people.. Don Bates loved people...He moved to his Heavenly home on December 24, 2021. He was proceeded in death by his biological father: Donald L Bates Sr, Mother: Elizabeth Simmons, loving father in love: Leroy Simmons, His oldest sister: Kris Hart. He is survived by his wife of 38 years Belinda Bates, His sister: Susie Garcia(Jimmy), Brother Russell Bates, Brother-in-law Rick Harris, Brother-in-law Randy Harris, Two children Donald Bates(Stephanie,) & Billy ( Alyssa) six grandchildren: Bethsaida, DJ, Brooklyn, Danielle, Beckham, Matthew. Several nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews.