Alan Bates

Alan Kent Bates, 88, Seneca, MO resident, passed into eternal rest on May 31, 2023, at his home after an illness.

Alan Kent Bates was born March 30, 1935, in Carterville, MO. the son of Robert and Leola (Henson) Bates.

Alan moved to Racine, MO in 1951 and attended Neosho High School until the first half of his sophomore year. He then transferred to Seneca High School where he graduated in 1953. Alan served in the Naval Reserves from 1953 to 1954. He attended Joplin Junior College for a short time studying commercial arts. Alan went to work at Eagle Pitcher in Joplin, MO, and eventually for the American Telephone & Telegraph in 1960, where he worked for 14 years in Joplin, MO. Alan moved to Seneca and worked for American Tripoli, where he retired as the plant manager in 1990 at the age of 55. Alan served two terms on the Seneca City Council and was a board member of the Seneca Cemetery Board to date. He was a member of the Seneca United Methodist Church.

Alan Kent Bates married Wanda Louise Hoff on October 22, 1954. Alan & Wanda loved to fish, play golf, and travel in their RV. She preceded him in death on September 2, 2011. He is also preceded in death by his parents Robert & Leola Bates; 3 sisters Virginia Shirley Bates, Melba Roberta James, and Norma Katheryn Bates.

Survivors include 2 sons Brad Alan Bates of Carthage Missouri, and Kent Evan Bates and wife Marsha of Seneca Missouri; daughter Kay Ann Etheridge and husband Scott Etheridge of Tulsa Oklahoma; 2 grandchildren Evan Alan Bates of Broken Arrow Oklahoma, and Ashley Ann Miller of Miami Oklahoma; 5 great grandchildren Hayden, Hayes, and Holden Miller of Miami Oklahoma; Cooper, Briley Bates of Broken Arrow Oklahoma, and special friend Patsy Meyer of Seneca Missouri.

A celebration of life graveside memorial will be held at Seneca Cemetery on Saturday June 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM.

The body has been taken for cremation under the direction of Campbell-Biddlecome Funeral Home, Seneca, MO.

In Lieu of flowers or food memorial contribution can be made to Watered Gardens 531 Kentucky Joplin, MO. 64801.