Richard S. Bates, Sr.

Richard S. Bates, Sr., 79, resident of Wilton, NH went home to be with the Lord on May 10, 2010. He was born in Summit, New Jersey on January 20, 1931, a son of the late Seymour E. and Beatrice (Gillick) Bates. Mr. Bates resided in Wilton for the past two years and formerly lived in Milford for 40 years. He had been employed by AJ Gerrard Company for many years. Mr. Bates enjoyed golfing, traveling, camping at Harbinger Bible Conference Center and especially spending time with his family. In addition, he was a member of the Burns Hill Christian Fellowship. Mr. Bates was a U.S. Army veteran having served during the Korean War in the 45th Division, earning the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. Family members include his wife of 56 years, Wilma J. (Trevena) Bates of Wilton, NH; two sons and daughters-in-law, Richard S. Bates, Jr. and Anne Bates of Seneca, SC, Bryan K. and Kimberley Bates of Milford, NH; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynda S. and Fred Douglas of Lyndeborough, NH; five grandchildren, Shawna Alexander, Frederick Douglas III, Benjamin K. Bates, Victoria M. Bates and Elkanah J. Bates; two great grandchildren, Ezra and Javan Alexander. There are no visiting hours. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, May 16th at 4:00 pm in the Burns Hill Christian Fellowship, 37 Wilton Road, Pine Valley Mill, Milford, NH. Burial with military honors will be on Monday, May 17th at 12:00 noon in the Chapel at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Burns Hill Christian Fellowship Building Fund, 18 Burns Hill Road, Milford, NH 03055.