John Dell Bates, 70, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, surrounded by family, at Chateau Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Fort Wayne, IN. Born in Haynesville, Louisiana, John was a son to Melvin Shelton and Annie Hughes. John served honorably in the United States Marine Corps. John enjoyed barbecuing, his family, the NFL Cowboys, and of course, Pepsi. Surviving are his mother, Annie Hughes; children, Kandace Redmond and Kimmetra Redmond; brothers, Cleveland Grigsby Jr. and Carlos (Dedra) Grigsby; sisters, Yolanda Grigsby and Fernanda Grigsby; grandchildren, Robert Hawkins, Kenadie Redmond, and Kayelin Redmond; and a host family and friends. John was also preceded in death by his father, Melvin Shelton; brother, Roger Grigsby; sisters, Cynthia Helvy and Lisa Holmes. Funeral service 1:00pm, Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Covington Memorial Funeral Home with visitation from 11:00am to 1:00pm prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkview Hospice.  The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake, Psalm 23. "I will miss you, son." Love you always, your mother, Annie Hughes