Leroy Ates

Leroy “Lee” Ates, 91, died Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at his residence in Abilene, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 25, in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene, 7457 W. Lake Road, with Rev. Jim Ritter officiating, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 24, at the funeral home. Born in Oran, Missouri on October 7, 1924, he was the son of Jeff and Bessie Ates. He attended University of Texas, Southwest Missouri University, and graduated from Austin College. Lee entered military service on June 19, 1943 at 17 years of age. He retired from the U.S. Air Force, having been a pilot and Nuclear Weapons Officer, and served in the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister. Lee is survived by Mildred (Millie), his wife of 70 years; children Sandra, Debra and Lee Jr.; grandchildren; nieces and nephews. For those who knew Leroy, he was a man of strong opinions and a big heart. We will miss him. The family requests that donations be made to The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress Street, Abilene, TX 79601, and Rescue the Animals SPCA, 4620 North 1st Street, Abilene, TX 79603.