Dick Lynn Bates

Dick Bates, 78, passed away on December 28, 2025, in Paducah, Texas, surrounded by his family. Born on October 5, 1947, in Quanah, Texas, Dick lived a life rooted in family, hard work, and a deep connection to the land.

His upbringing in Hackberry shaped his early years.  After graduating from Paducah High School in 1967, he pursued higher education at Tarleton State University, where he met the love of his life, Shirley. He later graduated from Texas Tech University in 1972 with a degree in Agricultural Education—a fitting foundation for a life dedicated to agriculture and teaching.

Following graduation, Dick began his career as an agricultural science teacher at Munday High School from 1972 to 1977. During those formative years, he built lasting friendships within the Munday community and left a meaningful impact on many students. In the summer of 1977, Dick and Shirley returned to Hackberry, and he continued the family legacy as a third-generation cotton farmer.  They raised their three children in Hackberry, and he was proud to raise them in the agricultural way of life.

He farmed until the early 90s while also managing a large hog operation and raising award-winning show pigs for many years. His passion for agriculture extended beyond the fields—he was deeply involved in the livestock show circuit alongside his children and grandchildren for many years.  In 1996, he returned to teaching, but this time in the prison system.  He started teaching GED classes at the prison in Spur, and later, he taught construction carpentry skills to inmates at the Roach Unit in Childress.  He retired after 20 years, and he loved making a difference in the lives of his students and giving them a skill they could use in life.  

As a lifelong Paducah resident, he served on the Paducah School Board, Cottle-King Livestock Association Board, Paducah Pig Sale, Cottle-King Rodeo Association, Richards Memorial Hospital Board, and the Taxing Board of Cottle County.

A man of many talents, Dick was known for his remarkable skills as a woodworker and craftsman. Whether building furniture or repairing machinery, he could create or fix just about anything. He passed these valuable do-it-yourself skills on to his children, instilling in them both confidence and capability. His collection of John Deere tractors was another source of pride; he loved sharing stories about tractor history with anyone who showed interest. 

Dick found great joy in hunting with family and friends on their land in Hackberry—a tradition that brought generations together and created cherished memories. Above all else, he loved his family deeply and took immense pride in being “Papa” to his grandchildren.  He loved taking his grandkids to watch Texas Tech football for years and watching them play sports.

He is survived by his beloved wife Shirley; daughter Kerri Isbell (Jay) of Lubbock; sons Kevin (Michelle) of Littlefield and Kyle (Melissa) of Seymour; and grandchildren Barrett and Madelynn Isbell; Kaley, Carson, Kalyn, Hadley, and Kaden Bates.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Mavis (Wall) Bates, and his brother Joe Bates.

Funeral services are under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home in Paducah.  Visitation will be held on Friday evening, January 2nd, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.  Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, followed by burial at The Garden of Memories.  

Pallbearers will be Ben Blount, Brad Blount, Charles Walker, John Walker, Jay Burns, Kirk Barron, Tommy Mosier, and Tommy Fryman.  Honorary Pallbearers are Barbara Walker, Erika Moore, John Utley, Gary Dunlap, Nebbie Nash, Marvin Powe, and Joie Truelock.  Tim Moore will officiate his service.

The family has established an account at Wellington National Bank in Paducah for a building fund donation to the Moffit Show Barn for Cottle County 4-H, or to the Paducah Cemetery Association.