SMYRNA – Robert Bates, 82, of Smyrna, passed away Wednesday evening, June 17, 2009 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in November of 1926 in No. Norwich, Bob was the son of Jay and, Gaynel Ingham Bates. He attended the No. Norwich school and following his education, entered the United States Army serving his country during the Korean conflict. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home where he gained employment with the Maydole Hammer Factory. He eventually went to work for Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceutical Co. where he worked for 31 years retiring in 1984.
Bob was an avid Yankee fan and loved watching the birds and wildlife in his back yard. He also had an ongoing battle with the beavers and their dams.
On September 1, 1951 in Norwich, Bob married Ola (Viola) Marvin who survives.
Besides his wife Ola, Bob is survived by his daughters, Patricia (David) Moore of Norwich, Diane (Richard) Drake of Brisben; his sisters, Georgia Brown, Alice (Perle) Beckwith, Flora Bates and Dora Bates, all of Norwich and his brother Bradley (Marjorie) Bates of Sherburne. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Christopher Lester and his financee, Jacqueline Brown, Robert Lester, all of Norwich, Brian Drake of Norwich, Carrie (Drake) (Richard) Goletz of Ohio and Scott Drake of Oxford; his 6 great-grandchildren Tyler, Kristen, Brianne, Autumn, Carleigh and Arianna along with several nieces and nephews.
Bob was predeceased by his sisters Lucille Cole, Emily Toopes and Carol Pollock and his brothers, Lawrence and Byron Bates.
Funeral services for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremy Stopford will officiate. Interment will follow in the No. Norwich Cemetery. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.
Please consider memorial contributions to the American Heart Association, Hearts Gifts Processing Center, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.