03/31/2025
Leon Irwin Bates was born July 6, 1933, in Bern, KS, and "graduated to heaven" on March 24, 2025, to be in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Leon worked in the aero-space electronics field for 20 years, which included 4 years in the U.S.A.F. He attended the Arizona Bible Institute and in 1970, founded the Bible Believers' Evangelistic Association, Inc. He worked in this ministry 42 years until his retirement in 2012. During those 42 years, God directed Leon to author Gospel tracts which were translated into several languages for wide distribution to help people understand salvation by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone. Many of the materials are available on our website for free download worldwide. His prayer was for this ministry to continue for years to help people trust Christ alone for their salvation for God's glory. His favorite Scripture was Ephesians 2:8-10. In 2012, the ministry offices and operations were moved from Sherman to the current location in East Texas and under the leadership of current directors, Matt and Angela Galyean. Leon said they are another reason for PRAISE TO JESUS as they continue this ministry.
Leon had a brother, Larry Bates, and two sisters, Carol Franklin and Joyce Wolf. Leon's first wife of 43 years, Pat, "graduated to heaven" in 1996. Six years later, Leon was blessed with a second wonderful Christian wife, Ruth, who also enjoyed their Christian life, ministry, and travels together.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests any desired memorial donations be sent to the Bible Believers’ Evangelistic Association, Inc., 393 CR 2934, Alba, Texas 75410 or donate online at www.bbea.org.