Steve was the funniest guy in the room who loved to laugh and make others smile and laugh with him. He never met a stranger, even the checkers at Walmart knew him by name. Steve could fix almost anything and has the scars to prove it. On the odd chance he couldn't, he still would have given it his blood, sweat and tears…and a few bad words….maybe hit it with a hammer once or twice and then tossed it around the yard…lol.

Steve loved his family. He leaves his wife Betsy Segura Bates of 39 years heartbroken. He was a girls daddy, and that's exactly what God blessed him with. His only child, Kodi Rae Bates Bell is married to Travis Bell, and he was known as Chief to his beloved granddaughter Bowie Rae Bell. Steve's parents were Carl J. & Barbara J. Bates who are now survived by his only brother David W. Bates.

Steve was born on a short stay to Great Bends Kansas, his elementary and junior high years were spent in Tulsa Oklahoma. Then the Bates moved to Texas as fast as they could where he completed high school and college.

Steve climbed the corporate later to Executive Vice President of North American Land Title Insurance Company where he worked for 27 years before leaving to join Independents Title. Steve coached girls softball and soccer and helped Betsy teach high school Sunday school. Steve loved to be outside, shirtless in swim trunks with a cigarette hanging from his lips and cold beer close by, fixing something.
Steve was quickly overcome by a fast growing brain tumor. Though he is irreplaceable, we know one day he will rise again free from pain with a new imperishable body and kneel before Christ the conquering King. Until then, a day won't pass where memories of Steve won't make us laugh and cry all at the same time. We already miss him.

A casual celebration of Steve's life including his burial will be held Wednesday December 27, 2023 at 2pm Klein Funeral Home
14711 FM 1488 Magnolia Texas 77354