Robert L. Bates

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 10 December 2019 at 11:44 am

Robert BatesAmerican flagRobert L. Bates, 78, of Newfane, entered into rest Dec. 8, 2019 at home, with his loving family by his side. He was born Jan. 4, 1941 in Lockport, a son of the late Robert E. and Nina (Wilken) Bates.

Robert married the late Karen Marie Bates on March 3, 1962 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ridgewood. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1958 to 1961. Robert retired from General Motors as an inspection foreman and had also worked on the family farm. Robert and Karen were season ticket holders for the Daytona 500, meeting racing greats like Richard Petty.

Karen predeceased Robert on Nov. 9, 2018.

He is survived by his children, Linda Parr and Daniel (Barbara) Halo; grandchildren, Jonathan Parr, Matthew (Melissa) Parr, Danielle (Patrick) Halo, Haley (Ben) Clark and Joseph Moberg; great-grandchildren, Harrison Joseph Till, Serafina Marie Parr and Eisley Clark; sisters, Donna (the late Ron) Medlin, Judy (the late Barney) Raysor, and Debbie (Tom) Muscato; sisters-in-law, Shirley (the late Charles) Salter and Dottie (Peter) Patterson; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Fri., Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 7147 Ridge Road, Lockport NY 14094, with the Reverend Kenneth Craig officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4674 Sunset Drive, Lockport NY 14094; or to Never Alone, 7410 Ellicott Road, Lockport NY 14094.

Robert’s arrangements have been entrusted to Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home, Newfane. To share a special memory of Robert, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.