Brian Richard Bates was born on February 20, 1965 in Hugo, OK to Dennis Brian Bates and Wilma Jane (Pace) Bates. He passed from this life on May 22, 2025 at the age of 60. Brian grew up in Antlers, Oklahoma and he spent most of his life living on the ranch in Kellond. He graduated Antlers High School class of 1983. He later attended diesel mechanic school in Okmulgee.

Brian had a diverse set of skills that allowed him to pursue many occupational fields such as hauling horses across the country as a truck driver working for GL Smith to later becoming a farm supervisor for the Department of Corrections at the prison at the McLeod Correctional Center in Atoka. All the while he spent his time as a cattle rancher.

Brian is preceded in death by his father: Dennis Brian Bates; mother: Wilma Jane (Pace) Bates; and niece: Shae Lauran (Bates) Brackett.

He is survived by his children: Teagan Ann Abts of Sutton, NE and Dustin Brian Bates of Antlers, OK; brothers: Bart Bates of Antlers, OK, and Brent Bates and wife Tarah Bates of Edmond, OK; niece: Stratton Alivia Bates of Edmond, OK; nephews: Brady Shannon Bates of Edmond, OK, and Landon Blake Bates of Glenwood Springs, CO; as well as several grandchildren, and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2PM at First Baptist Church of Antlers with Reverend Sam Dyer officiating. Interment will follow at Antlers City Cemetery.

Services have been entrusted with Serenity Funeral Service of Antlers.