STEVEN J. BATES

1947 - 2016

STEVEN J. BATES

Steven J. Bates, age 67, passed away at home in Bullhead City, Ariz. on Friday, February 26, 2016. He was born March 19, 1947 to LaVell Jay Bates and Donna Jean Roth in Amarillo, Texas, both of whom preceded him in death. He was raised in Norwalk, Calif.

Steve was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He and a buddy decided to join the Air Force rather than wait to be drafted. During the war he served both in Vietnam and Thailand and ended active duty at the rank of Sergeant after which he served in the Air National Guard until 1979.

Shortly after returning home from the war he relocated to Idaho where he would meet his first wife, Nicole Carlier, and where his three children would be born. He and his family then relocated to Amarillo, Texas where he started out in life. Then after about 20 years he relocated to Red River, New Mexico where he would enjoy ATVing and fishing as much as possible. After enjoying the mountain air for about 10 years he made the switch to the desert air of Bullhead City, Ariz. living in the house that his father, LaVell, and his Uncle Arlin built in the 1960s.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter, Jada.

Steve is survived by his sons, Curtis of St. George, Utah and Jason of Amarillo, Texas; daughter, Alisa of St. George, Utah; sister, Terry Guarino of Bullhead City, Ariz.; and his grandchildren, Hunter, LaVar, Kaylene, Alonzo, Deveny, Ziah, Kadon, Haevyn and Oriah. He is also survived by his furry companion, Buddy, whom he enjoyed taking on walks and on bike rides.

Memorial service plans are pending. As per his wishes, he will be cremated and ashes scattered at a favorite fishing spot in New Mexico.