Jay Bates, 84 of Spiro, passed away July 11 at Saint Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Ark. Jay Bates, 84 of Spiro, passed away July 11 at Saint Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, Ark. He was born Nov. 7, 1921 in Bokoshe.

He was a retired school teacher and administrator and a member of the LeFlore County Retired Teachers Association. He was a member of the Bokoshe First Assembly of God Church and attended Calvary Assembly of God Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorris Bates; three brothers, Rufus, Bethel and Jim Bates and a sister Kathryn. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and Charles Bullard of Pocola; a son Gary Bates of Spiro; three brothers, Harrell Bates and Reve Bates, both of Panama and Johnny Bates of Owasso; three grandchildren, C. Lynn Bullard, Shawn Bullard and Jennifer Jaylene Bates; four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace Bullard, Ryland and Reagan Bullard and Emma Elaine Bullard; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and loved ones.

Funeral services were conducted July 13 at Bokoshe first Assembly of God Church with Rev. C. Lynn Bullard and Rev. Harrell Bates officiating.

Interment was in the Old Bokoshe Cemetery. Pallbearers were Stan Cottrell, Neil Kitchens, Nolan Branscum, Neil Brannon, Roy Dix and Clyde Kitchens. Evans and Miller Funeral Home, Poteau, was in charge of arrangements.