Jerry Bates

It is with great sadness we report that on October 11, 2022, Jerry Dwayne Bates, 53, went to be with the Lord. Jerry is preceded in death by his mother, Dora Bates, and sister, Tina Bates. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Karen, his father David Bates, four daughters, Erica, Lori, Shawna, and Katie, two granddaughters, Melina Brook and Layla Brielle, a sister, Janice, and two brothers, Mike (wife Betty) and Chuck Bates.

Jerry grew up in Albuquerque and graduated from Del Norte High School. After high school he began his career in law enforcement, retiring from the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department in August 2008. During his years with the Sheriff's Department, he worked extensively with the Domestic Violence Unit, and served as an expert witness in many cases. Jerry helped to develop investigative and reporting standards that were new to law enforcement at the time. He conducted seminars around the country, training members of law enforcement to professionally investigate and prosecute domestic violence offenders. This became a mission for him after the untimely passing of his sister Tina, and a way to provide closure and peace to other victims. He taught DARE and GREAT in the Albuquerque Public Schools, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of children.

Jerry and Karen's love story was a great one, and over the years they became inseparable, considering each other soulmates. They shared a passion for life, family, their home, and one another. They worked tirelessly in animal rescue, enjoyed nature and tropical fish. In recent years Jerry's biggest passion was his role as Grandpa in his granddaughter Brielle's life. Brielle was the light of his day, and he fondly told all, "that little girl has my heart". He attended events and helped at her elementary school, taught her to fish, cook, read, and create art.

Jerry never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He is also survived by his fur kids, Thierry, Aiden, Brayden, Adalyn, Sophie and of course his beloved Cooper. Services will be held at French Funerals and Cremation on 10500 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico on October 28, 2022, at 10am. Pastor Lenetine from Gospel Light Baptist Church will officiate the services.