Samuel Bates

Samuel Weaver Bates died peacefully at the age of 83 years on March 9, 2007 in Taos, New Mexico. He was born on January 25, 1924 in Shelbina, MO to Carrie Weaver Bates and Thomas Forest Bates. In 1941, Sam attended the University of Missouri where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. His education was interrupted during World War II where he served his country in the United States Marine Corps. While in the military, Sam attended Occidental College in Los Angeles, Calif. where he met his future wife, Wilma Jean Wessels. In 1944 Sam and Wilma were married at St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Following his discharge from the Marine Corps, he completed his education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK.

He and his brother, Tom, founded Bates Bros., a specialty men's clothing company in December 1946. During the course of 41 years, Bates Bros. saw an expansion from two stores in Stillwater to additional stores in Enid and Ponca City, OK and Columbia, MO. Bates Bros. took pride in providing quality goods and service and customer loyalty.

Sam was highly regarded by his friends and peers because of his active community involvement. He served as Presidents of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and the Kiwanis Club. He was Chairman of the Stillwater Industrial Foundation, and for 10 years, served as Chairman of the Stillwater Hospital Board. During his tenure in that position, the current Stillwater Medical Center was established. He was also an active member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden and as a member of the Diocesan Bishop and Council.

In 1997, Sam and Wilma moved to Angel Fire, NM where they enjoyed the beauty of the Moreno Valley: snow skiing, golfing and the opportunity to entertain both friends and family in such a beautiful setting.

Sam was predeceased by both his parents and brother, Tom Bates, Jr. Survivors include his wife, Wilma, of Angel Fire NM and two daughters: Linda Bates Stamm (Bill) of Tucson, AZ and Elaine Bates Brewster (John) of Houston, TX. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Carrie Lawson (Aaron) of Scottsdale, AZ; Brian Jackson (Lisa) of Chicago, IL; John Edward Brewster, III of Houston, TX; and Samuel Bates Brewster of Dallas, TX.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, March 15, 2007 at St. James Episcopal Church, Taos, NM. His interment will take place in Stillwater, OK at a later date.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Stillwater Medical Center Foundation (PO Box 2408, Stillwater, OK 74074), St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (516 W. 3rd, Stillwater, OK 74074), or St. James Episcopal Church (5794 NDCBU, Taos, NM 87571).