George Dean Bates

George Dean Bates, age 77 of Bolivar MO passed away at 9:20 PM Thursday, September 13, 2007 in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. As a loving husband, father, and friend to many, he will be sadly missed. George was born on February 7, 1930 in Independence, MO the son of Austin Whitman Bates and Eunice Violet (Bosse) Bates. He accepted Christ as his Savior at the Maywood Baptist Church in 1943, served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951 to 1952 and worked for the Kansas City Power and Light Co. for 32 years, retiring in May of 1985. He was passionate about helping others and during his life was involved with the Shriners, the Masonic Lodge, and the Boy Scouts. He was also active in the Chamber of Commerce in Pharr, Tx. where he spent many winters enjoying time with his wife and friends. As an OATS bus driver, he never met a stranger and enjoyed getting his many rider friends safely to their destinations. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Edward E. Flynn, Roy Flynn, Ed Bates, and Wallace Bates. Also a step-son, Darrel Kelly. Surviving is his wife Doris Jean Bates of the home in Bolivar, one daughter, Paula Jo Brooks and husband Skip of Oklahoma City, OK; two sons, Gary Dean Bates and wife Vickie of Boise, ID and Geoffrey Bates and wife Denise of LaVerne, CA; also a sister, Eunice Ellen Bates of Independence, MO; one granddaughter, Phaedra DePuy of Georgia; two great granddaughters, Abrianna and Aleigha; and 5 step-grandchildren. Three step-sons, Charles Shepherd and wife Amber, Rick Kelly and wife Brenda, and David Kelly and wife Terry of Springfield, MO; a step-daughter, Susan Gregory and husband Larry; a step-daughter-in-law Phyllis Kelly of Springfield, MO. A memorial service honoring Georges life will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2007 at 1:00 PM in the Butler Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Russell and Chaplain Jack Smothers officiating. Interment of his ashes will be at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Springfield, MO under the direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar. Memorial contributions may be made to the Transitions Hospice, 315A S. Main, Bolivar, MO 65613. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

George Dean Bates

February 7, 1930 - September 13, 2007