Frederick Allen Bates

September 1, 1956 – June 28, 2026

Frederick Allen Bates (Freddy) was lovingly embraced by our Lord on Sunday, June 28, 2026. He was born in Kendallville, Indiana on September 1, 1956. He spent his formative years in the Flour Bluff School District, and even though he ventured to other locations in Texas, he always came back to Corpus Christi, Texas.

Throughout his life, Freddy brought his talents to many different fields. His past work experiences included carpentry and cabinet building, working on a shrimp boat off the Gulf of Mexico, installing gutters with Gutteral King, and selling souvenirs at the Corpus Christi Trade Center. His final role was maintaining the properties at Greenway Gardens Townhomes. While there, he became well known for his generosity, kindness, and constant willingness to extend a helping hand. His presence touched the hearts of many, leaving behind cherished memories that will remain forever with those who knew him.

His warmth, laughter, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by his survivors: his sister, Kathy Hernandez (David) of Flour Bluff, TX; his brother, Leroy Bates (Eva) of El Paso, TX; Sister in Law, Melody Bates, nephew/niece Joshua and Mackenzie Bates of Galesburg, IL; nephews, Bradley Hernandez (Marisa) grandniece/nephew Zoey and Zack of Flour Bluff, TX; David Hernandez Jr. (Kara) grandnieces Harper and Haisley of Flour Bluff, TX; and nephew Leroy Anthony Bates of El Paso, TX; and niece Stephanie M. Bates, grandniece/nephew Hailey and Lucas Varela of El Paso, TX.

Freddy had many friends, including his lifelong friend John Caffey, who was very dear to him and frequently stayed by his side, taking him to doctor’s appointments and to church. The family also wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Pastor Dana Moore from Second Baptist Church for periodically visiting Freddy at home and at the hospital. Freddy was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie Sue Bates, beloved brother Charles Roy Bates, and beloved parents Leroy and Jacqueline Gillespie Bates.

A memorial service to celebrate Freddy's life will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Second Baptist Church, located at 6701 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi, Texas. The family will receive friends at a small reception prior to the service. We hope you can join us to honor his memory.