Rufus Lee Bales, 89 of Kingsville, Missouri passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025 at his home.

Rufus was born February 12, 1936 in Viola, Arkansas; son of Herman Carol Bales and Nora Ethel (Crawford) Bales.  He attended school in Viola, where he was raised.  On March 4, 1956, Rufus was united in marriage to B. Ellen Blake in Salem, Arkansas. In 1959, the couple moved to Kansas City, where he was employed with Langley Recycling for the next 60 years.  Rufus retired from Langley. His hobbies included working on tractors, as well as cars back in the day.  He also enjoyed mowing.

Survivors include two sons: Everett "Gene" Bales of Kingsville, MO and Rufus "Dale" Bales            (Janet) also of Kingsville; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife: Ellen in 2019; daughter: Sandra L Bales; parents; and five brothers and five sisters.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9th at Williams Funeral Chapel in Holden with interment immediately following at Fairview Cemetery, located just north of Holden.

Memorial Contributions may be left to the Fairview Cemetery Association in care of Williams.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net