Gerald Bates Montezuma and formerly of Deep River. Gerald Bates, 89 of Montezuma and formerly of Deep River passed away Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the Grinnell Regional Medical Center in Grinnell. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma with Dr. George Salnave officiating. Visitation will begin after 11:00 am Sunday, March 7, 2010 with the family present from 5:00 to 7:00 Sunday evening at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Golden Rod Cemetery in Deep River. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Morrison-Schrader American Legion Post 296 of Deep River or the Deep River Fire Department.
Gerald Clyde Bates, son of Benjamin Cecil and Bessie (Lester) Bates was born on January 19, 1921 in rural Gibson, Iowa. He attended Gibson School. Gerald enlisted in the United States Army in February of 1941. He was honorably discharged in August of 1945. On November 17, 1945, Gerald was united in marriage to Norma Jean Myerly at the United Methodist Church in Montezuma. To this union one child was born, Glen. Gerald and Norma Jean made their home outside of Deep River where he farmed for a few years. After farming, Gerald drove truck and worked for Winegarden Hardware in Deep River. In 1969, Gerald bought a heating and cooling business in Montezuma where he worked until his retirement. Norma Jean passed away January 16, 1989. Gerald married Eulalia Garrett on March 17, 1995. Gerald enjoyed turkey hunting, bowling, golfing, fishing and camping. He served as Deep River mayor for a number of years. Gerald was a member of the Morrison-Schrader American Legion Post 296.
His memory is honored by his son, Glen of Deep River; six brothers, Ronald (Evelyn) Bates of Montezuma, Tom Bates of Sigourney, Donald (Elaine) Bates of Keswick, John (Joetta) Bates of Deep River, Paul Bates of What Cheer and Merle (Jean) Bates of Fort Worth, Texas; four sisters, Agnes Hourihan of Chicago, Margaret Tarvin of Grinnell, Verla Tish of Gibson and Charlene Bates of Montezuma and several nieces, nephews and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; two wives, Norma Jean and Eulalia; two brothers, Eugene Bates and Ned Bates; two sisters, Dorothy Bates and Marlene Bates; three brothers-in-law, Joe Hourihan, Raymond Tarvin and Marvin Tish; two sisters-in-law, Helen Bates and Linda Bates and two nephews, Edwin Tarvin and Jeffery Bates.
You'll always be our Grandpa,we are glad you were a part of our lives.We enjoyed you as much as you enjoyed us.We will miss you very much. Sydney and Joey George
Jan Johnson/Hoffmann
Deep River
Family Friend
March 10, 2010
Glen, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He will be missed.It seems we are losing alot of our older Deep River People. You are in our thoughts.
Gerald Bates