Herb Bates Sr.

Herbert Raymond Bates Sr., 87 passed home March 10, 2026 in Willcox Arizona. Born in Ruthven, Iowa to parents Harold Bates and Hallie Bates (McCarty) Herb was one of six siblings. In 1946 the family moved to Benson, AZ then on to Willcox, AZ in 1972. In 1972 Herb started the band "Herb Bates and the Country Blue Boys". He was the lead singer and guitar player. The band lived until 1985 opening for country stars such as Marty Robbins and Margo Smith. Country music was one of the biggest loves of his life but was pushed down a few pegs in 1993 when he married his "Sweetie" Carla. They had a 33-year marriage chock full of country music, adventures on their motorcycles, family, and their favorite part, getting to do it with their best friend and love of their lives, each other (Mighty Mouse and Mickey Mouse). Herb retired as a meat cutter at Safeway where he was known for being a kind, happy go lucky guy. Seeing him around town, you could count on getting a wave, or a "Hey, guy" even if you didn't know each other. In his later years, you could see him driving his trike, "Orange Crush" to McDonalds to have breakfast with his good friends, going to get milk, or getting bird seed from Maid Rite every Tuesday. He loved feeding and watching birds with his granddaughter Lopie who he affectionately called his "Punkin". He was rarely seen without a cup of coffee, day or night.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Hallie, siblings, Richard, Esther, Glenn, Ralph, and Jim Bates.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Carla, sons Herbie (Brandie) Bates, Brian (Tina) Addington, and William (Andrinna) Bates, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you, from the bottom of our hearts to Norma Reagan and Charles W Leighton Jr. Hospice for the best end of life care for our Herb.

Visitation is scheduled from 5–7 pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Westlawn Chapel. Funeral Services will be 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Westlawn Chapel with burial to follow in Cochise Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, monetary memorial gifts can be sent to Westlawn Chapel.