Jerry D. Bates

Lovingly remembered, Jerry D. Bates arrived on this earth on Monday December 29th 1941 in Topeka KS and departed on Tuesday June 16th 2020 at the age of 78 in Harlingen Texas.

Jerry was born in Topeka Kansas of Rose Madonna Jordan Bates and Chester Arthur Bates. He attended North High School in Denver and Westminster High. He served in the US Army Honorably and went on to become an Electrician via Local 68 in Denver CO. He had a passion for Labor Rights and became involved at an executive level with the IBEW Local 68 Electricians Union Hall where he remained a “member in good standing” for well over 50 years. Jerry also served on The Adams County Sheriff's Department and the Mounted Posse with his love for horses. He was a lifelong advocate for people with developmental disabilities in various organizations. He had an incredible spirit who never met a stranger and had a desire to help those in need with whatever needed to be done. Upon retirement Jerry and his beloved wife Debbie traveled with their 5th wheel trailer, finally settling in Sun Valley Village, a 55 and Over Retirement Community in Harlingen TX; making a connection of warmth and friendship in the community with many people there who are very dear to them. After spending their winters in TX, they would travel North in the summer to their home in Johnstown CO to be near family.

He is survived by his loving wife Debbie; daughter Teresa Ann Bates of Denver CO; son David (Tonya) Bates and grandchildren Zoie, Macy and Miley of Windsor CO; son Mike Bates and grandchildren Jace, Ariana and Tony of Lakewood CO; step-daughter Chris (Zane) Wilson and grandchildren Lee, Seth and Ty of Parker CO; step-daughter Jamie Oldemeyer (fiancé Tony Nail) and grandchildren Carson, Connor and Cailey of Parker CO. Also, former wife Carol Bates of Lakewood CO who so lovingly has cared for their daughter. He is also survived by sister Irene Walitalo of Littleton CO; brother Carl Bates of Littleton CO; brother Durrel (Joyce) Bates of Littleton CO; sister Charlotte Stout of Arkansas City KS and sister Shirley (Bob) Adams of Arkansas City KS. Additionally, sisters-in-law Carol (Lloyd) Bates; Shirlie (Ben) Bates and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Chester Arthur Bates and Rose Madonna Bates Lovison; brothers Ray Bates, Lloyd Bates, Ben Bates and Joe Bates.

Due to current World conditions there is a tentative Celebration of Life planned on July 24th 2020 at 11am at a place to be determined in the greater Denver CO area.

Memorial contributions to honor his name may be made to the Special Olympics (click on link below) https://give.specialolympics.org/page/contribute/give-today?ms=wwwFT&source=wwwFT&cha=19&_ga=2.190647659.1164873736.1592620753-690885363.1592620753 to honor his daughter Teresa Bates and others with disabilities participation and/or to The American Lung Cancer Organization (click on link below) https://action.lung.org/site/Donation2?df_id=31271&mfc_pref=T&31271.donation=form1 to aid others in their challenges.

The family would like to thank the Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home for their compassionate assistance during this sad time.