Robert “Bob” Bates
( February 17, 1932 – November 02, 2023 )
Robert “Bob” Bates, age 91, entered his Heavenly home on Thursday, November 2, 2023. His wife and daughter were at his side.
Bob was born in Tekamah, NE on February 17, 1932, to Harold and Elsie (Berg) Bates. He lived in Nebraska until age 4 when the family moved to Golden, CO. He earned his GED from Golden High School and then joined the Navy. Two years later, he joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War, stationed in Japan and Korea. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Lakewood, CO where he met the love of his life, Marilyn “Lynn” Fehr. They were married in March 1956 and were blessed with five children.
He furthered his education and became a mechanical engineer, working for Coors Porcelain Company in Golden, CO and Keebler Cookie Company in Denver, CO. He retired at age 57 when Lynn and he moved to Mesa, AZ. There they purchased a mobile pillow cleaning business and operated it for 14 years. In 1999 they moved to T. or C. where he loved the small town, the surrounding area, and worshipping at the First Baptist Church.
Bob had several hobbies and interests that kept him busy. One major achievement was designing and building all phases of construction of the 5 bedroom, 3 bath, 2-story family home in Lakewood, CO. This included blueprints, framing, plumbing, electrical, and all finish work. He also remodeled older fixer-up homes. He loved working with his hands designing and creating silver and turquoise jewelry, carvings, and photography in his own dark room. He was skilled in auto mechanics. He loved RVing and was a member of several RV clubs enjoying the fellowship and touring of the southwest area. He was a lifetime member of Good Sam RV Club and also of the American Legion.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lynn Bates; his brother, Harold “Jim” Bates of Denver, CO; his children – Jean (Kirk) Maze of Elephant Butte, NM, Sandra (Mark) Fisher of Conifer, CO, Vickie (Dave) Sieczkowski of Ravenna, NE, Terresa (Michael) Mack of Clayton, NM, and Russell (Cindy) Bates of Aztec, NM. Also 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Bates and Elsie (Berg) Urban; stepmother, Anna Bates; brother, Jerry Bates; and great-granddaughter, Sierra Romolo.
Bob was a man who liked to laugh; especially when teasing someone else. Whenever children, family, or friends needed help with anything he never hesitated to offer his assistance. Bob’s love for family was beyond measure, as was his faith in the Lord and Savior.
A Memorial Celebration Service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the First Baptist Church, 220 N. Broadway, T. or C., NM with Pastor Durward Wofford officiating.
