Command Sergeant Major John Bates, born October 31, 1953, in Norman, Oklahoma to Dan andEdna(Dunnam)Bates.
He passed away on April 14, 2026, at his home in Wellston at the age of 72.
He is survived by his two daughters, son and beloved wife of over 50 years, Susie Bates. He was amemberoftheOklahoma Army National Guard for 28 years where he was the top enlisted member of the 160th FieldArtillery as well as 45th Infantry Brigade and a graduate of the Sergeant Major Academy. John was a long-time member of the Missionary Baptist Church ofWellston and First Baptist Churches of Wellston and Carney.
A memorial service in John’s honor was held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 20, 2026, in the Lehman Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements were under the direction of Lehman Funeral Home of Wellston.