Bob retired as a computer programmer after having worked many years at many different places. Most recently he was a bus driver on Bus #8 at Belleville East High School. Mr. Bates was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served during the Vietnam era. He loved bowling and had played in many local leagues. He enjoyed traveling, long drives, baseball, golf, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Charles E. Bates; his mother, Marian A., nee Mathis, Bates Shaw; and a sister, Charleen Wickerham.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Anna, nee Ginter, Bates, whom he married on December 14, 1969;
three daughters, Angel Bates-Smith (Dana Smith), and their children, Louis and Amelia Smith, Robin (Scott) Lugge, and their children, Brendan and Breanna Lugge;
Christy (Joe) Kerfoot, and their children, Chloe and Samantha Kerfoot;
a son, Rob (Heather) Bates, and their children, Jackson and Dylan Bates;
and two sisters, Margaret (John) McDonald, and Judy Bates.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Burial will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL