Delbert C Bates' Obituary
DELBERT CHARLES BATES
Delbert Charles Bates was born on February 4th, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Gale M. Bates and Dora F. Bates (Roberts). Delbert grew up in Tulsa and graduated from Central High School in 1963.
Shortly after graduation Delbert married Norita N. Dobbins in 1963, and they had 2 sons, Brent and Butch during their 27-year union.
Delbert is an Army veteran who served in Vietnam from 1967-69. After his service, he settled in Tulsa and began family life. He coached youth soccer, and also resumed his true passion, racing and working on race cars.
He began his racing career in 1962 with his uncles, and when he gave up being the shoe, he helped his son Brent and grandson Devin with their racing careers by being the talented crew chief and engine builder. His engines and auto knowledge led his son Brent to win 7 consecutive Sprint Car Championships at Creek County Speedway. If you needed something fixed, he was the go to guy. He was glad to share his knowledge with anyone needing help, which made him many friends in the racing community.
If he wasn’t in his shop, at a track, or enjoying his dogs, Delbert enjoyed fishing tournaments with his son Butch.
Delbert was a diesel mechanic most of his career. He began with Safeway, and upon their closing he worked many years at Tulsa Public Schools, then for Jenks Public Schools, where he retired.
Delbert remarried in 2006 to Virginia Wall, and gained a son Robert Sherrell, and two daughters Brandi Hamm and Patti Sherrell.
While his racing career spanned 51 years, he was blessed with additional kids that were a part of his family and were loved as his own. Those “bonus kids” are Todd Reynolds, Mandy Harrell, Shandi Thompson, Bryan Roberts, Zac Wyre, and their children and families.
Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, brother and uncle. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Bates, son Brent Bates and wife Lynne, son Butch Bates and wife Shapley, son Robert Sherrell and wife Sarah, daughter Brandi Hamm and husband Lance, daughter Patti Sherrell, also his beloved canine companions Ike, Little Bit, and Fuzzy Butt. Grandchildren Devin, Vincent, Braden, Gracie, Dayna, Makayla, Rhanda, David, Kaylynn, Tristany, Gideon, Gabe, Riley, Jordan, Bobby, Sadie, Cadence, Kashton and 11 great grandchildren.
Delbert will be missed by all his family & friends. Papa D was know to be a giving, caring man who loved God, family, dogs and race cars.
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