Jerry L. Bates

Longtime Redlands resident Jerry Bates passed away on October 10, 2025 following complications from cardiovascular disease including dementia. Born in Oxnard, CA on Feb. 23, 1951 to Renata and Frank Bates, Jerry moved with his parents and older brother, Thomas, to a new home on Pioneer Avenue where he was raised. His younger brother, Jack, was born in 1956 Jerry loved his life in Redlands: working in the orange groves, selling plums door-to-door, riding his bicycle across the wash to Highland, camping in the local mountains, restoring his Model A that he bought for $25., and playing football at Redlands High School.
Following Jerry's graduation as a member of the RHS class of 1969, Jerry attended San Bernardino Valley College, then transferred to the University of Redlands where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1976. Throughout his college years, Jerry worked full-time as a tool-and-die maker and personal assistant to Frank Mitten, owner of Mitten Letter Factory. After graduation Jerry was hired by Baldwin Graphic Engineers in Highland where he developed new machinery for the printing industry including compensating stackers, horizontal stacker bundlers, and later the super feeder product line. This machinery helped bind, press, and stack magazines and newspapers globally. At the same time, Jerry played a major role in the development of Baldwin's (later named Systems Technology Inc.) packaging machinery. Jerry is named on at least five patents for these developments.
Upon his retirement in 2016, Jerry transitioned from a mechanical engineer to a woodworking craftsman. Creating custom moldings, casings, chair rails, and other architectural details for Redlands' homes and businesses, including the Smiley Library and Kimberly Crest house. Jerry's first restoration on Eureka Street, which had been his family home, stands today as a beautiful example of Victorian era homes in Redlands. In addition, Jerry designed and made furniture, winning several awards in the San Diego Fine Woodworking Show in his second career.
Throughout Jerry's years in Redlands, he was also a volunteer at the YMCA, the Y Circus, Redlands Bicycle Classic, the Run through Redlands, Kiwanis, and AYSO soccer. In 1992 he was awarded the Junie Schultz Award for his construction of a teen center at the Y's downtown location. Jerry was a Redlander through and through. He had a deep love of the orange groves, historic properties, volunteering, and the small town atmosphere. Jerry is survived by his wife of 23 years, Barbara; his daughter, Melissa Bates Wilder and her husband, George Albutt; his son, Jason Bates and his wife, Laura Sannini; his stepsons Brian Gaze and Eric Gaze and Eric's wife, Jess; five grandchildren; his former wife, Debra Ward; and his two brothers: Thom Bates with his wife Diane of San Diego, and Jack Bates and his wife Betsy, as well as many long-time friends. We will miss you, Jerry. To send flowers to the family of Jerry, please visit our floral store.