Gregory Alan Bates
June 8, 1965 — March 21, 2019
Gregory Alan Bates
Greg was born to Winston and Jessie (Caldwell) Bates on June 8, 1965 in Springfield, Missouri. He attended school in Springfield and moved to Harlan, Iowa as a young man.
Greg found employment at Oakland Beef in Oakland, Iowa as a meat cutter. When the plant closed he attended ITT Tech in Omaha, Nebraska and received his certification in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration. He moved back to Springfield, Missouri and put his skills to work at Sears for about a year. He was then approached with an opportunity to join Custom Coach Limousines, where he wired stretch limo’s for celebrities.
In May of 1988, Greg welcomed his daughter Jessica into his life. He raised his daughter into adulthood and it was evident she was his pride and joy. In 1991, he moved back to Harlan to be closer to his family and took a job with Molded Products where he remained employed for well over 20 years, working his way up the ladder. Greg also worked at Monogram Foods in the maintenance department until he was forced to retire due to his declining health.
Greg loved to fish, hunt, and camp. He was also an avid NASCAR and drag racing fan. He had the privilege of personally knowing Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin who began their racing careers at the Springfield Speedway in the 70's.
Greg was also a fabulous cook and took pride in making everything from scratch. He took charge at family barbeques ensuring the meat was done to perfection. During family get-togethers he loved breaking out the cards for a friendly game of poker or tossing horseshoes in the yard.
Greg’s most favorite pass time of all was spending time with his three grandchildren Kelsie, Lucas, and Levi. He often referred to these times as the best of his life and loved every minute being a grandpa.
Gregory died at his home in Irwin, Iowa on Thursday, March 21, 2019 attaining the age of fifty-three years, nine months, and thirteen days. He is preceded in death by his father Winston Bates, oldest brother Winston Bates, Jr., stepfather Kenny Richards, maternal grandparents Herman and Faye Caldwell, paternal grandparents Berry and Sarah Bates.
He is survived by his only daughter Jessica (Mardy) Anderson, grandchildren Kelsie, Lucas and Levi; mother Jessie Bates; sister Suzette (Jose) Bates-Leal; nephews Shawn and Joseph; many other family members and friends.
Greg was born to Winston and Jessie (Caldwell) Bates on June 8, 1965 in Springfield, Missouri. He attended school in Springfield and moved to Harlan, Iowa as a young man.
Greg found employment at Oakland Beef in Oakland, Iowa as a meat cutter. When the plant closed he attended ITT Tech in Omaha, Nebraska and received his certification in Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration. He moved back to Springfield, Missouri and put his skills to work at Sears for about a year. He was then approached with an opportunity to join Custom Coach Limousines, where he wired stretch limo’s for celebrities.
In May of 1988, Greg welcomed his daughter Jessica into his life. He raised his daughter into adulthood and it was evident she was his pride and joy. In 1991, he moved back to Harlan to be closer to his family and took a job with Molded Products where he remained employed for well over 20 years, working his way up the ladder. Greg also worked at Monogram Foods in the maintenance department until he was forced to retire due to his declining health.
Greg loved to fish, hunt, and camp. He was also an avid NASCAR and drag racing fan. He had the privilege of personally knowing Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin who began their racing careers at the Springfield Speedway in the 70's.
Greg was also a fabulous cook and took pride in making everything from scratch. He took charge at family barbeques ensuring the meat was done to perfection. During family get-togethers he loved breaking out the cards for a friendly game of poker or tossing horseshoes in the yard.
Greg’s most favorite pass time of all was spending time with his three grandchildren Kelsie, Lucas, and Levi. He often referred to these times as the best of his life and loved every minute being a grandpa.
Gregory died at his home in Irwin, Iowa on Thursday, March 21, 2019 attaining the age of fifty-three years, nine months, and thirteen days. He is preceded in death by his father Winston Bates, oldest brother Winston Bates, Jr., stepfather Kenny Richards, maternal grandparents Herman and Faye Caldwell, paternal grandparents Berry and Sarah Bates.
He is survived by his only daughter Jessica (Mardy) Anderson, grandchildren Kelsie, Lucas and Levi; mother Jessie Bates; sister Suzette (Jose) Bates-Leal; nephews Shawn and Joseph; many other family members and friends.
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