Mr. Bates was born December 2, 1920 in Wayne County, Ky., the son of Ruben and Lila Upchurch Bates. He was united in marriage to Reba Ramsey Bates, and to this union 3 children were born. He is survived by his wife- Reba, a daughter- Connie Bates, 2 sons- Dr. Ron Bates and Mr. Louie Bates; 2 brothers- Paul and Cicero Bates; 6 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren.

Mr. Bates attended EKU and WKU Universities, majoring in Health and Physical Education, History, and Political Science. He was employed by Wayne County Schools in 1941-1942, serving as a teacher at Duncan Valley school before joining the Merchant Marine in WWII. He returned to Wayne County Schools in 1947, teaching at Old Glory until 1949, and from 1949 until 1957 at Wayne County High School. He served in the Kentucky House of Representatives for 2 years, and was employed in the Kentucky Department of Education for 10 years. In 1967 he returned to Wayne County where he served as superintendent of Wayne County Schools.


Visitation: The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 12th, from 5-9 PM in the chapel of the funeral home.
Funeral Service: Funeral services will be Thursday at 10 AM in the chapel of the funeral home.
Interment: Burial will follow in the Elk Spring Cemetery