John Joseph Bates

John Joseph Bates, 73, of Desha, departed this life on Monday, June 23, 2025.  He was born in Galveston, Texas, on February 20, 1952, to Delbert Bates and Sena Trumble.

During his working years he was a general manager in restaurants specifically the Big Bob Sweden Crème.  He also served our country in the Navy for fifteen years.

One of his talents was singing with a Barbershop Quartet. He was a radio DJ known as John B. Hanson 1340 KBTA radio station in Batesville.

Left to cherish his memory is his sons, Brandon Bates, of Melbourne, and Joseph (Neoshia) Bates, of Norton, Kansas; brothers, John (Gwen) Johnson, George Carr, sisters, Nelda (Riley) Nash, Elizabeth (William) Holden, Linda Higgins, Thelma (Greg) Kirkpatrick; grandchildren, Xander, Connor, Madison, Joshua, Micah; great grandchild, Liam; several nieces; nephews; and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, April; and his wife, Theresa.