On the Morning of March 6th, 2025, Freddy Lee Bates, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to be with the Lord. Freddy (Fred), a cowboy at heart, lived a full life that any man should admire. Fred was a man of many trades and talents, was deeply devoted to his family, and took great pride in an honest day’s work.

In his younger years Fred traveled on a remarkable journey utilizing his talents of training and racing horses at various racetracks throughout the USA. He had an undeniable ability to identify hidden gems among thoroughbreds, and transform them into exceptional competitors, earning him the affectionate nickname, "$500 Freddy.

In his later years he loved dealing/playing cards with friends/family. He could two-step with the best of them, was skilled at playing the guitar, and had a beautiful singing voice styled after the country/western musicians he enjoyed as a young man. Fred was a talented athlete in his youth growing up in Missouri, especially on the basketball court. He passed down a love for sports to his children and grandchildren and maintained an above average hook shot even in his later years. “Poppy” or “Pops” as he was affectionately known by his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids was idolized for his boisterous laugh, calm demeanor, and willingness to always listen and offer words of encouragement and love. Poppy was a staple at birthdays, ball games, weddings, vacations, and any other family gathering for decades, always with his beloved Kay “Mama Kay” Bates by his side. Fred leaves behind a legacy evident by multiple generations of friends and family he has so deeply loved and affected over the years, all who will so dearly miss him. His kind soul and loving heart will be forever cherished and remembered.

Fred is preceded by his Father, Frank P Bates, Mother, Lillian Bates, Brother, Gordon Bates, Brother, Frankie Bates, Brother, Danny Bates, and Sister, Barbara Capel.

He is survived by his Wife, Katherine Bates, Son, Ben Bates (Tomomi), Son, Rick Hunter, Daughter, Katie Lasseter (fiancé: Jason Chandler), Daughter, Lori Rumbelow, Daughter, Frankie Paquin, Grandson, Ryan Rumbelow (Laura), Grandson, Nick Rumbelow (Shai), Grandson, Trevor Rumbelow, Grandson, Devin Hunter, Grandson, Landry Lasseter, Grandson, Paul Paquin, Grandson, Clay Paquin, Grandson, Jake Paquin, Grandson, Colt Bates, Granddaughter, Lainie Lasseter, Granddaughter, Hannah Hunter, Granddaughter, Kristina Bates, Granddaughter, Leah Bates, Granddaughter, Birdie Paquin, Granddaughter, Kissie Paquin, Great-grandson, Jett Rumbelow, Great-grandson, Beau Rumbelow, Great-grandson, JJ Rumbelow, Great-granddaughter, Brixley Cumby, Special Friend, Christopher Joseph, and Special Friend, Aoi Kaise.

A Memorial Service will be conducted to celebrate his life on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard, to begin at 11:00am. Todd Thoene will officiate the service.

Please send floral contributions to Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard.