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Shawn is the son of Bucky and Marilyn Bates, lifetime residents of Locust Grove. As well, he is the grandson of the late Johnny and Pat Bates and the late Christine and Reverend Bill Grass (a long-time employee of the now closed Wilson-Cunningham Funeral Homes).
Shawn is a 1991 Locust Grove High School graduate. He began his funeral career that summer working with his grandfather at Wilson-Cunningham Funeral Homes. After attending one year at Eastern State College in Wilburton, he transferred to and graduated (December, 1994) from the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Science in Funeral Service.
Shawn became an employee of Hutchins-Maples Funeral Home in Bristow, Oklahoma, January of 1995. Other than spending a year and a half back in Mayes County working for the now defunct Sentry Group as a funeral home manager, Shawn has spent most of his formative professional years in Bristow. While there, he became manager of Hutchins-Maples Funeral Home and was involved in various community projects. As well, he spent every Sunday morning, for almost three years, hosting a Southern Gospel Radio Show called “The Southern Gospel Jubilee”. One of the greatest things to ever happen to Shawn happened in Bristow when he married the former Melissa "Missy" McKinzie. They have two sons, Robert William and Caleb McCrae, both football players at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.
Shawn’s goal is to carry on ideas and morals instilled him by his grandfather, the Late Reverend Bill Grass, a funeral service professional and community staple in the Locust Grove area. He lists, along with his grandfather, Floyd and Ginger Cunningham, J. Claire Wilson, Tommy "Mr. T" Thompson of Pryor, and Brent Matherly (his boss in Bristow) as inspirations in his professional life. He is willing to do whatever it takes to serve his God, family, profession, and community to the utmost.
Shawn is a licensed minister who loves serving God and helping others. As well, he is a die-hard Locust Grove Pirates supporter and alumnus. Shawn is also the proud brother of Lisa Becerra (a 35+ year 5th grade teacher in Pryor), proud brother-in-law to Bruce Becerra (owner, with his wife Lisa, of B & L Cleaners in Pryor). Lastly, he is a proud uncle to Christine Becerra (OU graduate), Blake Becerra (Duke graduate), and Brier and Gunner Howard (daughter and son of brother-in-law and sister-in-law Cody and Jennifer Howard of Bristow).
Melissa "Missy" (McKinzie) Bates is originally from Depew, Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Tammy and Walter Howard, granddaughter of the late Basil and Trela McKinzie, as well as Lorn and Denzyle McGuire. She graduated from Depew High School in 1994, having also attended school in Corpus Christie, Texas. She is a dedicated mother and wife. As well, she assists with funeral home operations.
Prior to moving back to Locust Grove, Missy served as the Bristow First Baptist Church secretary. She had also worked for Wiggins Properties and spent over 6 years at AmCare Health Plans (Foundation Health). Her hard work and dedication compliments her husband as they serve the community at Locust Grove Funeral Home. She is proud to be a part of a long tradition of funeral service in her husband’s family. As well as being creative, Missy is also a very talented vocalist.
She enjoys all the activities she gets to be a part of by being the mother of two boys, Will and Caleb. She is a joy to be around and always has a smile on her face.
Marilyn (Grass) Bates is a lifetime resident of Locust Grove, graduating Locust Grove High School in 1965. She is the daughter of the late Christine (Langley) and Reverend Bill Grass. She and Bucky Bates were married on July 8, 1965.
Marilyn is the mother of Shawn Bates and Lisa Becerra and mother-in-law to Melissa and Bruce. She is the proud grandmother of Christine Becerra (OU graduate), Blake Becerra (Duke graduate), Will Bates (SNU undergraduate/fooball player) and Caleb Bates (SNU undergraduate/fooball player). She worked in banking for several years. She also worked for Synergy Gas, Tron-Tek, and Locust Grove Schools. After helping Shawn and Melissa part-time with funeral home accounting, she decided to work for them full-time starting in August of 2009. As of March, 2020, she retired but remains ready to help when needed.
Marilyn enjoys spending time with her family, especially following her grandchildren in all of their activities. Her work experience is an asset to the Locust Grove Funeral Home.
Mayme (Griffin) Miley is a long time Locust Grove resident. She is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Locust Grove where she stays very active. She helps with assisting with visitation at Locust Grove Funeral Home. Her daughter, Tammy, graduated from Locust Grove High School, and is married to Jim Ward, also a Locust Grove High School graduate. Mayme is the proud grandparent of two wonderful children, Remington and Emily.
Although they may not be involved in the every day operations of the Locust Grove Funeral Home, Will and Caleb are very much a part of it.
Will is the oldest of the two boys. He is a 2017 graduate of Locust Grove High School where he was involved in football, basketball, baseball, powerlifting, community service, and high school organizations. He is a former elementary state wrestling placer. Will is a currently completing his undergraduate studies in exercise science at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He is a member of their football team. He is most often found with a smile on his face.
Caleb,the baby of the family, is a 2019 graduate of Locust Grove High School where he was active in football, track, and powerlifting, and community service. He also found a love for welding while in Agriculutre Mechanics. He is a former elementary state wrestling champion and is a multiple time placer. Caleb is a currently completing his undergraduate studies in business management at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. He is a member of their football team.
When needed, Will and Caleb help with tasks around the funeral home.