Jeffrey Owen Bates

Jeffrey Owen Bates, 81, of New Bern, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, December 19,2023, at his home.

A funeral service to honor Jeffrey’s life will be held at 11 A.M., January 5, 2024 at Munden Funeral Home in Havelock, officiated by Rev. Jim Daub. The family will receive friends at 10 A.M., January 5, 2024, at Munden Funeral Home. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

Jeffrey was born in his grandparents’ stucco home on March 22, 1942, in Mystic, Iowa, to the late Robert and Zeraldo Bates. He decided early in life that he would join the military. Jeffrey honorably served in the U.S. Air Force with 21 years of distinguished service. Among his many accomplishments, he was decorated as the NCO of the Year for the Far East.

Jeffrey had a thirst for knowledge and was a lifelong learner. He held several degrees; in English, Psychology, and Information Technology. He loved teaching English for the Literacy Council Group. Jeffrey dedicated many hours to tutoring and mentoring others. While living in Maryland, he was an active member of the local Masonic Lodge.

Jeffrey met the love of his life, Ginny. They shared 54 wonderful years of marriage. He adored his family and cherished the roles of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. 

Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Genevieve “Ginny” Bates of the home; son, Craig Holmes (Micheline) of Georgetown, Delaware; daughter, Melanie Snook (Tom) of Stevensville, Maryland; brother, Jody Bates (Carol) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and grandchildren, Michael Holmes, Kristin Holmes, Kevin Holmes, Jaclyn Cregon, Jeffrey Holmes, Mason Holmes, and Daniel Holmes.

In addition to his parents, Jeffrey was preceded in death by his son, Richard Holmes; and his sister, Lorna Shoemaker.

As an expression of sympathy, the family is requesting all donations in honor of Jeffrey Bates be made to Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246).

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Cremations in Havelock, N.C.