Robert Shawn Bates
Shawn is the son
of Bucky and Marilyn Bates and grandson of Christine Grass and Johnny Bates, all lifetime
residents of Locust Grove. As well, he is the
grandson of the late Pat Bates and the late Reverend Bill Grass (a long-time employee of
the now closed Wilson-Cunningham Funeral Homes).
Shawn is a 1991 Locust Grove
High School graduate. He began his funeral
career that summer working with his grandfather at Wilson-Cunningham Funeral Homes. After attending one year at Eastern
State College in Wilburton, he transferred to and graduated (December, 1994) from the
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Science in Funeral
Service.
Shawn became an employee
of Hutchins-Maples Funeral Home in Bristow, Oklahoma, January of 1995. Other than spending a year and a half back in Mayes
County working for the now defunct Sentry Group as a funeral home manager, Shawn has spent
most of his formative professional years in Bristow.
While there, he became manager of Hutchins-Maples Funeral Home
and was involved in various community projects. As
well, he spent every Sunday morning, for almost three years, hosting a Southern Gospel
Radio Show called “The Southern Gospel Jubilee”.
One of the greatest things to ever happen to Shawn happened in
Bristow when he married the former Melissa McKinzie. They have two son, Robert William and Caleb McRae.
Shawn’s goal is to
carry on ideas and morals instilled him by his grandfather, the Late Reverend Bill Grass,
a funeral service professional and community staple in the Locust Grove area. He lists, along with his grandfather, Floyd and
Ginger Cunningham, J. Claire Wilson, Tommy Thompson, and Brent Matherly (his boss in
Bristow) as inspirations in his professional life. He
is willing to do whatever it takes to serve his God, family, profession, and community to
the utmost.
Shawn is a member of the
Gideons International. Along with his family,
he is a member of the Southeast Baptist Church near Sportsman Acres. He enjoys helping with Children’s Church and
playing the drums. Shawn also stays active by
helping with youth wrestling, baseball, and football.
Shawn also serves as a speaker for Victims Impact Panel of Oklahoma. He is an
avid Southern Gospel music fan and supporter. As
well, he is a die-hard Locust Grove Pirates supporter and alumnus.
Shawn would like to mention he is
the proud brother of Lisa Becerra (a 15+ year 5th grade teacher in Pryor),
proud brother-in-law to Bruce Becerra (owner, with his wife Lisa, of B & L Cleaners in
Pryor), and above all, proud uncle to Christine and Blake Becerra (both students in Pryor
Schools).
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