Charles E. Bates
Charles E. Bates, 86, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 26, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
Charles Edward Bates was born on August 16, 1936, in Stanton, Missouri to George and Edna (Chrisco) Bates. Growing up in Stanton, Charlie attended grade school in his hometown before transferring to Sullivan High School, where he graduated with the class of 1954. After graduation, Charlie worked for a local sawmill and the Paramount Cap Factory before enlisting in the US Army, where he proudly served for two years. Following his military service, Charlie embarked on a long and successful career as an inspector for aircraft manufacturer McDonnell Douglas, later known as Boeing, where he worked for over 40 years.
Throughout his life, Charlie's interests were vast and varied. In his early years, he was blessed with four children: Dianna, Roger, Glen, and Angela. Charlie united in marriage with his loving wife, Ina Bates, on November 23, 1968, and together they resided in Spring Bluff for over 50 years while raising their family. Charlie and Ina enjoyed taking vacations every year to various places, such as Iowa, Yellowstone National Park, and Mount Rushmore. The couple always made it a point to attend the Missouri State Fair and tent camp as a family while there.
Charlie was a longtime attendee of the Spring Bluff Missionary Baptist Church. He loved to piddle and perfect his yard, always meticulous in his efforts. A voracious reader, Charlie enjoyed staying informed by reading several newspapers, with the comedy section being his favorite.
Memorable moments in Charlie's life include vacationing several times in Hawaii with Ina and proudly driving his 1972 Chevy truck in local parades for Sullivan. A compassionate man of few words, Charlie was always honest and dependable.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Ina Bates of Sullivan, MO; four children: Dianna Lovell and husband Derrick of Green Cove Springs, FL, Roger Bates and wife Crystal of Valley Park, MO, Glen Bates and wife Trisha of Fenton, MO, and Angela Jacobson of Green Cove Springs, FL; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Grace Stahlman and Ellen Bates; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna; paternal grandparents, James and Mary Bates; maternal grandparents, Francis and Sarah Chrisco; and six siblings: Emmett Bates, Sadie Dunn, Henry Bates, Nancy Kontz, Norma Schneitzer, and Carol Sohn.
Funeral Service were held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Interment followed at the Stanton Cemetery with full military honors.
Visitation was held from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.
Friends may send their online condolences to Charlie’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.