Karl Bates

Karl Freeman Bates, 89, was born in Oakley Idaho on 10/30/1927 and passed away on October 28, 2017 at the Veterans Home in Walla Walla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Freeman J. Bates and Bertha "Danieletta" (Craner) Bates; siblings: Freeman "Junior" Bates, Vida Bates, and Merrill "Dee" Bates, and by his sons: Daniel Bates and John Bates. Karl lived in Oakley until joining the Navy at the age of 17. He served on the U.S.S. Saratoga until he was injured in an on-board gun explosion in 1944. After recovering from his injuries, he returned to Idaho where he married Dortha "Jean" Bates on December 26, 1950 in Murtaugh Idaho. The couple had three children, Dan, John, and Joe. Karl worked in most every stage of farming and agriculture including sheep camps, feed mills, and eventually was hired by Albers Milling Co. He managed the Sunnyside Albers Feed store from 1968 until his retirement in 1985. His retirement was short lived, however, as he then contracted with Albers to travel as a salesman. He and Jean enjoyed calling on customers so thoroughly that they bought a travel trailer and began the RV life, spending several winters in Arizona. They also enjoyed trips to Alaska, Maine, and Hawaii, as well as England and Ireland. Karl and Jean owned and operated a 10-acre farm in Sunnyside, where he and his sons grew alfalfa and raised up to 100 head of sheep, and 30 head of cattle. In 1993 Karl and Jean moved to Yakima where they lived until 2015 when they moved to Soap Lake. Karl is survived by his wife, Jean; son Joe, daughter (in law) Barbara; grandsons: Adam, Zachary, Matthew, and Casey, and great grand daughters, Zoe and Katie. A Memorial Service will be held 10:00am, Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Valley Hills Funeral Home Chapel (Yakima) with Military Honors. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Karl Bates, please visit our flower store.