Elbert R. Bates, 94, of Duncan, passed away March 5, 2016 in Tucson. He was born February 6, 1922 in Lohn, TX to Walter Richard & Verna Cowen Bates. Elbert joined the U.S. Navy after graduating high school and served in WWII where he received Air Medals for actions against hostile Japanese in the southern pacific. He was an industrial electrician in the mining industry and a member of the Church of Christ in Duncan. Elbert is survived by his children; Elbert Kenneth Bates, Gary Lowell Bates, Paula Lynn Gould and Doris Louise McIntosh, siblings Willie, Dorthy and Lois, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Norine Bates, his parents Walter R. & Verna C. Bates and siblings Rachel and Bernice. A viewing for Elbert will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Safford with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Duncan Cemetery following the services. Services are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.
Elbert R. Bates
