Billy Dean Bates, 70, of Auxvasse, passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at his home.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 4, at Arnold Funeral Home with Rev. Bryce Kristofferson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Visitation is Monday from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Billy was born on June 16, 1953, in Alton, Missouri, the son of Tommy Joe and Martha Ann (Hall) Bates. On June 17, 1978, at the Eastside Christian Church in Auxvasse, he married Kay Lynne Love. She passed away on January 15, 2022.

Mr. Bates graduated from Mexico High School. He served in the Army National Guard for over 20 years and also worked for A.B. Chance in Centralia around 40 years.

Billy had volunteered for the Audrain County Sheriff's Department, Central Missouri Honor Flight and the Missouri Veterans Home. He  delivered meals in Auxvasse and Mexico. He also spent many hours playing pool at the Mexico and Fulton Senior Centers.

Mr. Bates loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. He was a football fan and enjoyed working as an usher at Mizzou football games.

Survivors include three children, Billy Ray Bates of Auxvasse, Jennifer Louise (James) Stiers of Calwood and James Eric (Kendra) Bates of Mokane; nine grandchildren, Taylor, Gracie, Kevin, Julie, Fayth, Lotus, Alex, Aiden and Abby; and one brother, Bobby (Jill) Bates of Steedman.

In addition to his wife, Kay Lynne, Billy was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Timothy Joe Bates.

Memorial donations may be made to the Central Missouri Honor Flight. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.