Todd Arlin Bates

Todd Arlin Bates, 68, returned to our Father in Heaven, Saturday, July 5, 2025, due to natural causes. On August 21, 1956, Todd was born in Portland, Oregon. His family then moved to Prescott, Arizona where he was raised.
He is survived by is wife Margie Bates and his children; son, Devin Todd (Jenna) Bates and daughter, Tara Canerday. Todd adored his two grandchildren Makenna and Samuel Canerday. He also leaves behind a sister, Susan Bates, and many nieces & nephews. Todd was preceded in death by his parents Garth and Opal Bates and his nephew Robert Critchfield.
Todd served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Halifax Mission. While serving in Amherst, Nova Scotia, Todd met his future wife, Sister Margie Street. In August of 1978, after they returned home from their missions, they were married in the Salt Lake Temple.
Todd obtained a Bachelor's degree from Weber State University, followed by a Master's degree at Northern Arizona University. He proudly worked 37 years for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, serving and protecting his community. He performed many different duties for the Office including: Patrol, Homicide, and led as a Lieutenant for many years. Beyond his dedication to law enforcement, he was a committed church leader. He happily served with the youth of the church, in a Bishopric, and in the Chandler Stake High Council.
Todd's dedicated service at church and the Sheriff's Office led him to develop many close friendships that brought him immense joy. He was determined to foster and continue these friendships through the end of his life. He took many trips with family and friends, and he attended a game in all but one MLB stadium.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren, but he also loved going to breakfast and lunch with friends and coworkers and making a quick run to QuikTrip.
You are invited to pay your respects to the family on Saturday, July 19, 2025, between 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Burial service to follow.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1115 E Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225. Please proceed to the East side of the building.
Interment: Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be made to The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Memorial Fund, which helps the families of fallen officers: https://www.mcsoadvisorycouncil.org/product/general-donation/
Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel, . Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.