ROBERT EARL "BOBBY" BATES

Robert Earl "Bobby" Bates, 71, of Riverside, MO, formerly of the Lexington, MO and Higginsville, MO area, died at 10:19 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2010, at his home.
Robert was born on April 28, 1938 in the Union community in west Ray County, MO, to Jewell Alonzo and Myrtle Margarete (Buist) Bates.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Liz Bates of Kansas City, MO; one sister and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Ray Schreiman of Excelsior Springs, MO; and four grandchildren, Carter, Alaina, Emerson and Logan.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Bates; and one sister, Lena Faye Bates.
Robert attended Hall and Orrick schools, graduating from Orrick High School. He was raised in Orrick and lived most of his life in Lexington and Higginsville. He worked as a supervisor for the Missouri Department of Mental Health at their Habitation facility in Higginsville, MO before retiring January 1, 1999, after 36 years of service. He was of the Baptist faith. He had served in the U.S. Army.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Rock Falls Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rock Falls Baptist Church, north of Orrick, MO. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 24, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, MO. Burial will be at Union Cemetery, northeast of Orrick, MO, where military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Post #237 and Richmond VFW Post #4398. Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond, MO is in charge of the arrangements.