Harold Lee Scates

Harold Lee Scates, age 79, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 25, 2025. He was born on December 18, 1945, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Roy “Emit” and Nancy Bell (Smith) Scates. Harold attended Murray State College, where he earned an associate's degree, and went on to have a distinguished 33-year career as a game warden with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, retiring in 2001. On July 30, 1985, he married Betty Ann Wyatt, and they shared many happy years together until her passing. A deeply devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church, Harold served faithfully as a deacon and was an active participant in the local chapters of Ducks Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Harold also served as a local Guideon and was a retired volunteer firefighter. He enjoyed oil painting and making his own fishing flies and tending his sheep. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for baseball, hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature. Harold also loved to travel, and with Betty, he journeyed across the United States, visiting 49 states—only missing Hawaii. Known for his unique sense of humor and love for singing (despite his inability to carry a tune), Harold brought joy to everyone around him. His laughter and spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Harold was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Scates; his parents, Emmett Scates and Nancy Fowler; his son, Dustin Scates; his brother, Nathan Scates; and his sister, Edna Williamson. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughter, Stefine Wood and her husband Jay of Tishomingo; son, William “Bill” Scates of Tishomingo; daughter, Kimberly Downward of McKinney, TX; grandchildren Jordan Westfall of Yukon, Camyn Knox of Enid, Konnor Knox of Oklahoma City, and Kizzie Wood of Tishomingo; great-granddaughters Gigi and Reagan of Yukon; and a host of extended family and friends. A celebration of Harold’s life will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church in Tishomingo, OK. Arrangements were made under the direction and care of DeArman-Clark Funeral Home in Tishomingo. Friends and family may leave online condolences on our website at www.dearmanfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Harold Lee Scates

December 18, 1945 - January 25, 2025