William Gene (Bill) Bates Sr. was born April 14, 1936, in Espanola, New Mexico. He passed away at his home in Westfield, Indiana on December 9, 2023. As he requested, he was cremated and then on November 7, 2024, his ashes placed in a columbarium in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Fort Leonard Wood, Waynesville, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pearl and George Bates, brother Robert Bates and sister Betty (Jim) Cunningham.
An Air Force Veteran of the Korean war, he served a tour at Kempo Air Force base at the 38th parallel in the K9 company with his dog “Bero” at his side, he was a Patriot and proud to serve his country.
On September 6, 1956 he married the love of his life Ann O’Quinn. He was an Endowment member of the NRA, the American Legion, and Camdenton United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and loved fishing and scuba diving with his son. He was a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. Bill started his career in sales in Springfield, Mo with Lily Tulip Cup Co. After he retired from Solo Cup Company in Sales, he built their home on Lake of The Ozarks, where he and Ann enjoyed spending the last 28 years entertaining family and friends. He loved flowers and usually had something blooming in his yard to share with a friend. He was “Mr Fix It” and when family and friends needed help, he was there. He loved country music and had front row seats at the Opry Show in Lebanon for several years. He loved joking with people, had a good sense of humor, quick wit, and was a storyteller, especially to his three Granddaughters. Bill loved the Circus and attending with his granddaughters. You could find us there eating peanuts, cotton candy and shaved ice in an elephant head mug! Bill loved his family.
He is survived by his wife Ann, Son Bill and wife Paula and Granddaughters, Jessica, Alex and Samantha, two nephews Gene and George Carter.
Rest in Peace Bill, we love you.
Message from his three Granddaughters: Grandpa was his three girl’s biggest fan! Anytime we had success, it always came with an “atta girl” from Grandpa. No matter where we went in Camdenton everyone knew who we were. Grandpa either had on his T-shirt or coffee mug with a picture of us skiing and if he didn’t have those, he had plenty of pictures in his wallet. There was no way he wasn’t pulling them out to show the cashier before he bought his favorite drink at the gas station, a “cappi”(cappuccino). We have the best memories of our trips to the lake, Grandpa always made sure we had the best time. Even if we were there for a short weekend, he took the time to put our trampoline in the water, had the tubes blown up and ready to go so we could spend the entire day playing on the lake. One of our favorite memories was getting dressed up, Kelly would do our hair and we would have a date night at the country music show with Grandpa and Grandma. We couldn’t have asked for a better Grandpa. We miss him so much but know how lucky we are to have had the years we had with him. Thank you for being the best Grandpa ever and for never saying goodbye without a hug and a $2 bill. We love you forever.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 1270 S. Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2090.
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.hedgesscottmillard.com.
