Gordon Bates

Mitchell Gordon Bates August 1, 1942- July 31, 2016 Gordon Bates age 73 of Nixa went to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday July 31, 2016. He was born August 1, 1942 to Frank and Lillian Bates in Galveston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Frankie Bates. He is survived by his wife Vernetta Bates of Nixa; his three daughters and their husbands, Denise and Tom Grant of Nixa, Michelle and Larry Clark of Boaz; and Tina and Chris Pennington of Nixa; his two brothers Fred and Kay Bates of Tyler, TX; and Danny and Felicidad Bates of Haughton, LA; and a Sister Barbara and Jerry Capel, Crane; eight grandkids who loved him very much, Carrie Boone, Jason Vaughan, Kristy Vaughan, Erica Grant, Josh Clark, Britni Clark, Tyler Clark and Ashleigh Pennington; and thirteen great-grandkids that he loved and enjoyed. Gordon grew up in the Branson and Nix area where he played Basketball and Graduated from Nixa High School in 1961. Gordon owned and operated Sight and Sound TV from the late 1960's to mid-1980's. He had a shop in Springfield before moving the location to Nixa. In the mid-1980's he started Bates Construction where he was a well-known Builder in the Nixa and surrounding area. He was a Contractor for many years. He loved the game of basketball so much that he coached Show Me State AAU and 3 on 3 tournaments. He coached his basketball team for several years. He also liked to watch his grandkids play sports. Gordon was an avid fisherman who went on many fishing trips with his best friend Bill Chitwood to Lake Fork and Canada. He loved fishing and boating with his family and friends. He will be missed deeply by those who love him. Visitation will be Wednesday August 3, 2016 from 5-6p.m, with a Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa, Hosea Bilyeu officiating. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Ridgecrest Baptist Church Missions.