Conald Webb Bates

Conald Webb Bates, 74, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on June 5, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on March 14, 1948, in Logansport, Louisiana, to the late Robert Elmer Bates and Eulah Merle Rhame Bates. 

Graveside service will be held at Willow Grove Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, at 10AM with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating.  Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, 2022, from 4-6PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Webb was drafted at the age of 19 years old and proudly served his country during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal, and Sharpshooter (Rifle).  Webb married the love of his life, Norma Gene Blount, on July 13, 1967, and the two was blessed with 54 years of marriage.  They had a son and a daughter.  He was certainly a friend to everyone.  He never met a stranger. Webb enjoyed spending time with family. He was an avid gunsmith, forged knives, and would help anyone he could throughout life.  Webb was a lifelong member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Joaquin, Texas. He was also a lifelong member of the VFW Post 8904 in Center, Texas.

He is survived by his loving wife, Norma Gene Bates; son, Michael Bates and wife Julie; brother, Robert Melton Bates and wife Kay; grandson, Zachary Bates; and a host of family and friends.

Webb is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Elmer and Eulah Merle Bates; daughter, Meta Michele Bates; granddaughter, Kara Lou-Anne Felder; great-granddaughter, Danica Felder; nephew, David Bates; and sister, Rita Dickerson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Zachary Bates, Lane Bates, Avery Liker, Ray Touchstone, Dane Blount, Earnest Claybrook, Gunner Claybrook, and Lynn Stephens.

Honorary pallbearers will be Kenneth Dickerson, Slow Doug Smith, Darrell Jo Alford, James Leggett, Bubba Weaver, Lyn Irish, John Haak, Travis Rodgers, Roy Cheatwood, James Carroll, Robert Shull, and John Hugh Leggett.