Robert Bates

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Robert Michael “Bob” Bates, 73, of Belleville, IL, born June 22, 1944, in Los Angeles­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­, CA, died Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

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

Condolences:

9 Comments on Robert Bates

Mike Simpson said : Guest Report Sep 18, 2017 at 7:13 PM

My condolences to the family. I have worked with Bob for about 12 years. His sense of humor will definitely be missed. He was part of our little card playing group and we always had a lot of fun.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
James and Adina Kerfoot said : Guest Report Sep 16, 2017 at 12:01 AM

Christy, our hearts are heavy hearing the news that your father passed away. We didn't really get to meet or know him, but we can see the product of his life in you, and what we know about you must indicate that he was a great man. Our condolences for the loss of your father and with his passing we are reminded of 2 Corinthians 12:9, " and He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me". Praying peace over you and your family.

  • Medina
  • TN
James J Cuff said : Guest Report Sep 15, 2017 at 5:14 PM

Christy and Family My deepest sympathy on the loss of your Father. I am sure he will be missed by many, may your memories of the better time help you through this most difficult time. Uncle Jim

  • Creal Springs
  • Illinois
Dave Jermyn said : Guest Report Sep 15, 2017 at 11:49 AM

My condolences to Bob's family. I am sure that he will be missed.

  • Mascoutah
  • Il
Wayne Sanford said : Guest Report Sep 15, 2017 at 12:50 AM

Please accept prayers condolences from the Sanford Family. He will be sadly missed. It was a shock to me and most of my fellow bowlers. A patient person who always was here to help when there was a question about bowling.RIP

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Denise Wylie said : Guest Report Sep 14, 2017 at 8:31 PM

Dear Robin & family, Please accept my sincere sympathy upon the loss of your father.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Gloria Mosley said : Guest Report Sep 14, 2017 at 5:12 PM

Dear Bates family, At this most difficult time please accept my condolence and deep regrets for your loss and I'd like to share where I found help at such a time as this when this enemy took my entire family. I found much comfort and hope in what I read in Jehovah Gods word the Bible at John5:28,29 for there it tells us we'll see our love ones again in the resurrection when Jesus brings them back here on earth and Isaiah25:8 states that this enemy death will be swallowed up forever. With these scriptures and others I'm now able to cope with my loss and get through each day because now I know I'll see my family again and I wanted to share this with you at this painful time when hope and comfort is needed hoping this will help you also in some way for this is my purpose in sharing this with you at this time and please know that I do share your grief and hope you'll feel free to let me know if this helped. Sincerely, GM

  • NChas
  • SC
Lindy Murray said : Guest Report Sep 14, 2017 at 2:21 PM

Dear Robin and family, Please accept my most sincere sympathy on the passing of a beloved father, husband, and grandfather. My very brief acquaintance with him, driving a bus for our field trips, let me see a patient, good natured and kind man. I am sure you will all miss him immensely. I hope you are able to take comfort in remembering the love he brought to your family. Peace be with you, Lindy Murray

  • Fairview Heights
  • Illinois
Sherree Schneider said : Guest Report Sep 14, 2017 at 8:02 AM

My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Bates family. I worked with Bob for the past 12 years at the bus company. He used to always do things to make me laugh. I am in total shock to hear of his passing. He will be sadly missed by so many of our drivers. Sending you prayers and strength to get through this very difficult time.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois

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