Obituary of Tony Bates

Roger Antonio “Tony” Bates, was born in Raymondville, Missouri, on May 31, 1954. His parents are Lawrence and Sylvia (Smith) Bates. He passed away on August 25, 2014. He is survived by his parents, Lawrence and Sylvia Bates; brother, Alan Bates; sister, Carol (Bates) Roling (Chuck); nephews, Chaz Roling (Jenipher) and Cliff Roling, and Tony’s best friend, Teresa Stanley. Tony earned his BA of Education from Southwest Missouri State University in 1976, and taught at Pleasant Hope, Marshfield, and Study Middle School, in the Springfield, MO area. Although he started his career teaching High School Shop classes, he also taught many other classes, from Computers to Cooking. He was always working, helping everyone he met, and giving to all. Since retiring from his full-time teaching job, he substitute taught, mowed lawns, and worked at an after-school program, all at the same time. Tony loved a “bargain”, always looking for an excuse to buy something, usually to give away. He was always “late” because he could never tell anyone that he didn’t have time for them. His generosity and helping others created long-lasting friendships. Many students to “Mr. Bates” still keep in touch and are friends with him. He volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House in Springfield, MO for many years. Tony donated his body to the Missouri Organ and Tissue Donor Registry, a further example of his generosity.