Joe Earl Bates, 78, of Whitesboro, Texas passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Whitesboro Health and Rehab, surrounded by his loving family.

Joe was born on February 5, 1947 in Gainesville, Texas to Dealva and Jewel (White) Bates.  He graduated high school from Haltom High School and received his bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University.  On February 25, 1970 he married Nova Harwell in Gainesville.  Joe worked with his parents at Sherwood grocery, as a butcher with Tom Thumb in Sherman, and then retired from the United States Postal Service in Denton.  He enjoyed working, bird watching, playing cards, shooting pool in his younger years, and watching old westerns, especially Gunsmoke.

He is survived by his wife, Nova Bates of Whitesboro; son, Joe Bates II of Leander, TX; Keith Bates of Denison; sister-in-law, Dee Gentry, sister-in-law, Margenia Knight, brother-in-law, Jack Harwell, as well as numerous cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, D and Jewel Bates.

Funeral services honoring Joe will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. Rick Carney.  Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro.  A time of visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

To sign the online registry, please go to www.meadorfuneral.com.