Donald Eugene Bates

December 29, 1950 - February 1, 2021

Don E. Bates, age 70, of Sweetwater, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2021, at Parkwest Medical Center, Knoxville, TN. Preceded in death by his parents: Edna Mae Hughes and Donald Franklin Bates, brother: Mike Bates. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Survivors include his wife: Linda J. Bates, of Sweetwater; step-children: Bobby Duggan, of Pulaski, TN, Barry and Deana Duggan, of Sweetwater, Denise Davis, of Lenoir City; grandchildren: Leslie Veal, Curcha Walker, Broedy Duggan, Briley Duggan, Baylor Duggan, Ashley Bucciarelli, Jeremy Jessen, Brittany Merriott; great-grandchildren: Misty, Marcus, Olivia, Tucker, Amelia, Campbell, Blaise, Livi, Hunter, Hayven, Heavenly, Kinsley, Steven; great-great-grandchild: Lennox Veal; sister: Donna Henry, of Kentucky; brothers: Richard Bates and Jerry Bates, of Texas. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 5, 2021 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M, with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 P.M. with Dr. Gerald Atkins officiating, with full military honors provided by members of the Sweetwater Gold Star V.F.W. Post 5156. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater, in charge of arrangements. www.kykerfuneralhomes.com