Leo Albert Bates

Leo Albert Bates, 70, of Moody, Texas, passed away early Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2008 at the VA hospital in Temple, Texas following a short illness. Two memorial services will be held for Leo. The first at Scott’s Funeral Home, 904 Leon St. in Gatesville, Wednesday November 26 at 10:00 AM. The second will be held in Cambridge, NY (time and date to be announced). Leo was born July 28, 1938 in White Creek, NY son of the late Edwin Levi Bates and Ann Gates Bates. Leo served in the United States Army and received honorable discharge after six years of service. Leo worked as an auto paint and body man for 51 years which he enjoyed tremendously. His work was among the best. Leo’s hobbies included hunting, bingo, racing cars, gambling, and driving trucks across the country. He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lorie Ann Shaeffer; two sisters, Jane Bates and Deborah A. Porter; two brothers, Edwin (Butch) Levi Bates Jr. and an infant brother, Kyle Bates. Survivors include two sisters, Shirley Ann Speizio of NY and Vanessa Littlefield of VT; one brother, Keith Bates of FL; ex-wife, Joyce Marie Gustavson of VT and their children; five sons, Kris Bates of Fl, Lee Bates of TX, Leo Bates of VA, Dusty Bates of FL, and Scott Bates of TX; three daughters; Ava Marie Shorey of NY, Joyce Ann Narbella of TX, and Jenny Lynn Wulff of NY; a second ex-wife, Winnie LaBarron of NY and their children; (Leo adopted these girls) Paryese Bates Becker of NY, Tanya Bates Maire of VT and Jacklyn Bates Clark-Tonlinger of NY; 33 grand children, 9 great-grand children, and numerous great-grand nieces and nephews.