Donald Lyn ‘Donnie’ Bates

Donald Lyn “Donnie” Bates, 64, of Mt. Home, formerly of Sheridan, passed away Sunday December 12, 2021. He was born July 19, 1957, to JL Bates Sr. and Kathleen Swinford Bates.

Donnie was born in Beebe, Ark., and grew up in Altheimer. He drove a truck nearly all his life. He drove for Tyson foods for over 30 years and was friends with and hauled fertilizer and cotton for the Bitley family for many years. Donnie married Tami O’Neill Bates on December 30, 1983. They raised their daughter, Cailin, in Sheridan, and resided there till Tami’s death and his retirement in 2016.

Donnie was a tinkerer and could take nearly any car apart and put it back together. He also loved building trailers alone and alongside a brother or two. His favorite role was being a grandfather. He loved spending time “piddling” in the garage with his boys Heisman and Titus.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Tami O’Neill Bates; and sister, Virginia Ann Benson.

Donnie is survived by his only child, Cailin O’Neill Bates-Carrier (Jeffery); grandchildren, Heisman Carrier, Titus Carrier, and one unborn grandchild due in July, all in Mountain Home; brothers, twin Ronald (Nancy), Butch, Johnny (Carolyn), Charles (Kay), sister, Debbie Mulherin (George); and brother-in-law, Jerry Benson.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 18, 2021, at Fuller Funeral Services in Pine Bluff with Don Veazey officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences at www.fullerfunerals.com.