Mark Andrew Bates

Mark Andrew Bates entered eternal rest on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the age of 70. Mark was born on February 17, 1954, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to John Willis and Freda Estel Bates. Mark was the baby of the family, having two older sisters, Marji, and Jodi. Mark grew up in Broken Arrow and attended Broken Arrow Public Schools. He was a graduate of the class of ’72. Mark married Sharon Bailey in May of ’74 and in that union together had four children, Jason, Mindy, Tim, and Heath. Mark and Sharon started their own business in the spring of ’82 and he continued running it until his death. He was elected as a City of Coweta Councilman in 1984 and served in that position until the early 90’s. In 1986, Mark became an Auctioneer. For years he auctioned off pies for the Coweta High School Marching Band at the Fall Festival, some selling for over $5,000. He was also the Auctioneer for the Special Olympic Athletes Fundraisers and Youth Bowfishing World Championship Banquets. Mark served his community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Vice-President of the Booster Club, and a Member of the Optimist Club. He also served on the Civil Defense Team for Wagoner County and was part of the Chain Crew for the Coweta High School Football Team. Businesses that Mark had helped with in the community: The Coweta Auction Barn, Tiger Land Skating Rink, Town and Country Steel Buildings, and the Good Dog Coney Shop. Mark will be remembered for his faith in God, his love for his family and for his community. Mark became a Christian in 1995 and served faithfully. He attended Sunnyside Baptist Church, Coweta First Assembly of God, and Abundant Rain. He went on Mission Trips to Panama and when he was in better health you could always find him attending a Revival. Mark never met a stranger and he always had words of encouragement if you needed it.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jasper & Florence Bates and Luther & Merle Keel, his parents, Willis and Estel Bates, his sisters, Jodi Walker & Marji Cowles, one niece, Brandi Rider-Bates, and son, Heath Bates.

His survivors include son, Jason Bates, daughter, Mindy Bates, son, Tim Bates (Emily), nephew, Chris Cowles, a niece, 9 grandchildren, Cheyenne, Johnathon, Chesney (Steely), Brooklyn (Louis), Melody (Cameron), Mikayla, McKenzie, Malachi, and Amelia, 1 great-grandchild, Carsyn, and a host of great nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Brown Funeral Home in Coweta, OK. Services celebrating Mark’s life will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Abundant Rain Church, 12425 S. 273rd E. Ave., Coweta, OK 74429. Mark will be laid to rest at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, OK. Pallbearers are Johnathon Bates, Cameron Toothman, Louis Aquila, Caden Cowles, Kolby Reynolds, and Steven Walker.

Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Mark Bates entrusted his care and services to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.