Ralph Douglas "Doug" Bates, 66, of rural Norborne, passed away Sunday, March 31, 2024, at University Hospital in Columbia.

Doug was born on December 17, 1957, in Waverly, the son of Albert "Leroy" and Patricia Ann (Stroud) Bates. He was united in marriage to Debra Lynn Cowick of Carrollton on November 13, 1976, at the First Baptist Church of Carrollton; she preceded him in death on August 11, 2018.

Survivors include: mother, Patricia Bates of Norborne; two sons, Bradley Alan Bates (Kathy) of Moberly and Tommy Lee Bates (Tiffanie Banks) of Norborne; grandson, Adrian Lee Bates; two brothers, Rick Bates of Norborne, and Robert (Mindy) Bates of Richmond; and sister, Lisa (Alan) Rainey of Norborne.

He was preceded in death by his father, wife, and two infant sons, Ralph Douglas Bates, Jr., and Curtis Wayne Bates.

Ralph was reared and educated in Norborne and graduated from Norborne High School in the class of 1976. He worked for Fuller Marketing and Banquet Foods in Carrollton, then for Henkel in Richmond for seven years, before retiring in July 2022. Ralph enjoyed trapping, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed family get-togethers, having fish fries, and making other big meals together, but especially spending time with his kids and grandson.  Ralph was always lending a hand to those around him and never met a stranger. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to family's choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with memorial services will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Thurman Funeral Home in Norborne, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M., with services to follow at 11:00

A.M.  Inurnment will be held at a later date. Please remember to share your memories of Doug with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.