Norman M. Bates, age 83, of Shell Knob, Missouri

            Norman M. Bates, age 83, of Shell Knob, Missouri passed away Monday, February 7, 2022 at NHC HealthCare Joplin in Joplin, Missouri.

            He was born January 31, 1939 in Gary, Indiana the son of Lester and Emma (Furst) Bates, who preceded him in death.  Also preceding him in death was one nephew, Wade Hulet.

            Surviving are two sisters, Cheryl Hulet and Chrystal Colglaizer and her husband Jerry; one cousin, Edward Bates and his wife Rebecca of Shell Knob, Missouri who Norman had resided with for twenty-three years; six nephews, Sean Colglaizer and his wife Evelyn, Dwight Bates, Bradley Bates, Matthew Bates, Norman Bates and Jason Hulet; one niece, Tracy Short and her husband Jerry and two great nieces, Rachel and Nina Shore.

            Norman grew up in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Honey Creek High School in Terre Haute, Indiana.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a sergeant in the Vietnam War.  Returning from the war he was employed by Caterpillar Incorporated as a painter, welder and line supervisor from where he retired.  He loved to travel, go out to eat, drive around sightseeing and ride his Harley.  During the summer he enjoyed his time at the lake, swimming and watching the wildlife.  Spending time with his cousins, nieces and nephews were important to him as they were his family.  Norman enjoyed laughing, telling jokes and cutting up.  Shell Knob had been his home for the past seventeen years after moving there from Lampe.  He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, American Legion and Veterans Association.  He was of the Baptist faith.

            A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Cremation arrangements are under direction of Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.