Obituary of Thomas Robert Bates

Thomas R. Bates, “Papa,” 93, of Fort Worth passed away July 26, 2019.Thomas was born on January 1, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan. He married Lillian Burman Innes on October 18th, 1944. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, and son, Brian Wilson Bates. He was an Army Air Corps veteran and served during World War II. Papa was known for always being a gentleman and caring deeply for others. He loved a good cigar and made the best French toast in town.Papa is survived by his son, Thomas Robert Bates, Jr; daughter-in-law, Mary Bates; grandchildren, Thomas Robert Bates III (Jennifer), Tiffany Bates, Timothy Bates (Emily), Jillian Kmet, Ryan Bates, and Amber Bates; great-grandchildren, Tyler Bates, Caleb Bates, Matthew Bates, Grant Bates, Blake Bates, Carter Bates, and Luke Bates.