MOUNT VERNON – Henry Russell Bates of Mount Vernon went to heaven to be with his mom on Jan. 31, 2021, surrounded by his loving caregivers, Sarah and Adam Hayden. He was born on May 8, 1942, to the late Clarence and Ruth (Gray) Bates. He grew up on a farm west of Mount Vernon on Liberty Chapel Road.
Henry was loved by many, especially the “ladies of the library” who took such good care of him through the years. When they moved to town, he loved riding his moped and stopping to visit with the fire station guys (and anyone else along the way). He loved country music, and Johnny Cash was one of his favorites. He was wild about tractors — especially John Deere — and old cars. He also enjoyed Mr. Chips, his bulldog. In recent years, Henry purchased a three-wheeled bike that he was so proud to ride.
Henry was active at New Hope Industries where he learned to cane chairs, and he retired from Ross Brothers Recycling. Henry enjoyed the fellowship at Beulah United Methodist Church and later at Green Valley Baptist Church, and he liked to talk about the love of Jesus.
He is survived by his brothers Gary, (Ruth) Bates of Fairfield and Tom (Gloria) Bates of Pinehurst, Texas; and his nieces and nephews, Kim, Gary, Becky, Jason, Jenny, Christina, Gilbert, David and Ron and their lovely families.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Bobby and Fred; sister-in-law, Carol; nephew, Freddie; and his special friend, Mary Louise Rouse.
A special word of thanks to Henry’s former caregiver for years, Becky Green; the folks at Touch of Grace; his cousin, Barb (Antill) Rude; the Culbertson family, namely Nora, Liz, Charlie, Nancy, Jackie, Tina, Bernice and John and their families (his second family); and special neighbors, Sarah and Kathie Hysell. He enjoyed visiting his Aunt Martha, and the feeling was mutual. Henry was almost a household name in Mount Vernon, and he will be missed by all. He knew how to make us smile.
Henry was buried on Feb. 5 in Memorial Gardens Cemetery beside his parents. Pastor David Daniels officiated the service. We want to encourage each of you to celebrate Henry’s life in your own way, and we want to thank you for making his life so memorable!
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Mount Vernon Library.
Submitted by Nancy Thompson
