Alan Laker Bates

1955 - 2011

Alan Laker Bates obituary, 1955-2011

Alan Laker Bates

1955 - 2011

BORN

1955

DIED

2011

Alan Bates Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25, 2011.
Alan Laker Bates

Alan Laker Bates, 55, of Springfield passed away at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Cox South. He was born December 23, 1955 in Lawrence, Kansas to C. Warren and Margery Laker Bates. Alan's family moved to Springfield when he was a small child, and he attended Hickory Hills Elementary and Jr. High and was a 1974 graduate of Glendale High School, where he was on the wrestling team.

Alan became involved in Scouting and ultimately became an Eagle Scout Master and as an Instructor at the Philmont (New Mexico) National Scout Ranch. He earned a degree in Architecture from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville in 1979 and immediately returned to Springfield to join his father's architecture firm, Bates & Associates. He assumed ownership of the firm, replacing his father, in 1999. Alan married his first wife, Dana Clopton, in 1976 with whom he had four wonderful children. Alan was a loving, supportive father who loved to boast his children's numerous accomplishments. Alan was an active parent in the Greenwood Laboratory School and guided his children's academic careers through graduation and college. In 2002, Alan married his best friend Robyn Beck Bates. Alan was delighted to add her three daughters to his beautiful family.

He had served on the board of the Council of Boy Scouts of America, as president of the board of the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, was a supporter of gifted education and President of WINGS. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Baron's Club, Lotus Club, Springfield Investors Club, MENSA, and Hickory Hills Country Club (he was an avid golfer). He supported numerous charities including Lost and Found, the Boys & Girls Club and the American Diabetes Association. He also had a long affiliation with University Heights Baptist Church. Alan enjoyed the many projects he worked on throughout the years, including, Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, Inspiration Point at Sheppard of the Hills, Chesterfield Village, University Heights Baptist Church, Ray Steven's Theatre, MSU Student Union, many projects for Cox Hospital, working with the Jared family and Taylor family on Price Cutter stores, including one of his favorites the Gallery Bistro, and many others.

He was an outdoorsman, explorer, and lover of life and enjoyed camping with his kids in Lost Valley Arkansas, floating the Buffalo and Mulberry Rivers, Wine at the Derb, happy hour at Metro, debating politics (debating anything), playing cards at Hickory, travel to Italy, Mexico, Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica, Spain, Africa, Dominican Republic, and the East Coast to the West Coast of the US, coving at Cow Creek, the back porch at the cabin and date night.

Alan was known for his intelligence, his wit, his generosity and larger than life personality, which endeared him to all. He always strived to understand and explore the natural world, for which he held a deep reverence.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Mark Bates. Alan is survived by his best friend and wife Robyn Bates; son, Cory Bates; daughters; Cristen, Cara and Laura Bates and stepdaughters; Brynn, Ambyr and Bailey Bagby.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 25, 2011 in University Heights Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lost and Found, 1006 N. Cedarbrook, Springfield, Missouri 65802.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Alan Bates's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 8, 2011

Sara Godinez posted to the memorial.

April 5, 2011

Jan Strube posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.

Sara Godinez

April 8, 2011

Hugs to you and yours, Cristen. Thinking of you.

Jan Strube

April 5, 2011

I just learned of Alan's passing in the Springfield Business Journal, and was shocked to read the news. Alan and Warren hold a special place in my heart, as they designed our One Hour Photo labs in the malls in the early '80's. What a fun time we had, Curt, Karleen Bright and I working together on a unique project with lots of challenges. Alan's research, enthusiasm for our new business and sense of humor made it all come together successfully. He indeed left his touch on the community.

March 27, 2011

"Robyn, so so sorry to hear about your terrible loss! He sounds like an incredible person who lived and loved life to the fullest! My prayers are with you.
Teresa Raymond Bryant

March 27, 2011

Alan was a great man. His life was too short, but lived well.

Dick and Dianne Sievers

Sarah Overstreet

March 26, 2011

Robyn,

I was stunned by Alan's sudden loss, and am so sorry I learned about his death and funeral after the services were over.
I never met Alan, but I always enjoyed the stories you told about Alan and your travels when we worked together at the News-Leader.
Reading his obituary, I realized I hadn't known about his many experiences, passions and talents. What a Renaissance man!
Robyn, you were such a joy to work with and I am so sorry you're having to bear this terrible loss.

nancy knutson

March 26, 2011

to cristen,cara,laura,and cory. we want to express our deepest sympathy that your father has passed. from all of us at imos pizza.god bless and we love you.

Michelle Rea- Pendergrass

March 25, 2011

I went to School with Alan for many years at Hickory Hills and Glendale High, Alan was a really great person, I am so sorry for your loss.

Beth Whitaker

March 25, 2011

So Sorry to hear about the loss of Alan. We will sure miss his smiling face at the lake, Robyn our thoghts and prayers are with you and the kids.
God Bless
Ted and Beth Whitaker

Chuck Green

March 25, 2011

I've had the privilege of sharing a few wonderful wines with Alan over the last 15 years. It's really hard to believe he won't be coming through the tasting room door again.
I raise my glass to a great guy and to Robyn.
God bless.

March 25, 2011

The stars will shine a little brighter now that Alan's smile will be helping light them. Prayers to you and yours.

Stephany and Walter Powell (Springfield)

Mike Breeding

March 24, 2011

May the Lord bless you, and your family.

Judy and Mike Breeding

March 24, 2011

The Lines family always thought highly of Alan and his dad. He will be missed.
Beverly Lines

March 24, 2011

The Lines family always thought highly of Alan and his dad. He will be missed.
Beverly Lines

gary franklin

March 24, 2011

really enjoyed alan's sense of humor, what a great man to share a glass of wine with, thoughts and prayers to robyn and the kids . god bless

Barbara Sweet-Robinson

March 24, 2011

Allen thank you for your kindness when I lost my husband, Bob 16 years ago. You were always great to work with on a project. Your life will live on because of the kindness and love you showed your family and friends. My prayers are with your family

Jeannie & Bill Gaut

March 24, 2011

Thankful we had the privilege of knowing Alan. He had such a gift, making everyone feel so special. God bless you Robyn and all his family and friends.

David Harper

March 24, 2011

Best friend to everyone, a great family, monuments to your work everywhere; a life well lived. I'm lucky I knew you.

Ruby Churchill

March 24, 2011

I'm sorry for your lost.I will keep your family in my prayers. Alan's cousin Ruby (Wright)Churchill

Beth Yarbrough & Dwayne Holden

March 24, 2011

We will miss you, Alan and your big smile. We will never forget you and the fun times we shared with you.

We will miss your contagious smile, humor, friendship. Rest in peace

Clari,Rory Hasselquist

March 24, 2011

Ken and Teresa Roberts

March 24, 2011

I always enjoyed Alan, his great sense of humor, wit and friendliness. He had a way of making you feel like you had known him forever. He will me missed greatly.

Beth Yarbrough & Dwayne Holden

March 24, 2011

Alan, we will miss you and your big smile. You have so many friends who cared and prayed for you this past week. We light this candle to show our love for you and your wonderful family. We will always remember you and we are grateful to have been a part of your life.

Lisa & Mike Nally

March 24, 2011

Not only did Alan have a wonderful sense of humor, he had a great sense for business. He was always so supportive of our community. There is a hole in our hearts with his sudden passing.

April Meltabarger

March 24, 2011

My condolences to his family and friends.

Vicki Chapman Keyes

March 24, 2011

Rest in peace Alan. I'll always remember the Sunday School parties at your parents' house and you "saving" me from a bee. Forever in our hearts!

March 24, 2011

Rest in peace Alan you made life more enjoyable with your outlook and good humor. Your huckled buddy !

Steve

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Sign Alan Bates's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 8, 2011

Sara Godinez posted to the memorial.

April 5, 2011

Jan Strube posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2011

Someone posted to the memorial.