Vernon A. Bates, Sr., 81, of Palacios passed away June 27, 2010. He was born Feb. 1, 1929 in Bayou La Batre, Alabama to the late Fred F. & Mary Kryger Bates. His family returned to Texas in 1931 where Vernon Attended school in Palacios. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1952 to 1953. Upon his return he became a shrimper on his first boat "The Cecile". In 1950 he married Faye Chamblee. Vernon was a 50 year member of the Palacios Masonic Lodge where he served as Master for 2 years.

His sister Maxine Perkins preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife Faye Bates of Palacios; sons Vernon Bates, Jr. & wife Kathy of Corpus Christi and Mark Bates & wife Rhonda of Palacios; grandchildren Keith Bates, Brandi Stingfellow & husband Lance, Matthew Bates & wife Vanessa, Eric Bates and great grandson Jackson Bates.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 6pm to 8pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at the First Baptist Church in Palacios with Rev. Zach Nicholson officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jimmy Milam, Ricky Milam, Ted Bates, Jr., Ted Perkins, Charles Eikenberg, Leo Naiser, Bryan Fields & Bobby Kunefke. Those serving as honorary pallbearers include Alton Smith, David Smith and Laddie Matusek. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Palacios.