Saturday, April 1, 2017 ~ 10:30 a.m.
United Methodist Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Interment at Ashland Cemetery ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Military Honors by American Legion Post #129
Memorials may be sent to the family for future designation to:
Gary Bates, 108 Searight Dr; Baden, PA. 15005
Jerald R. Bates, 91, formerly of Ashland, NE, died Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the Nebraska Masonic Home in Plattsmouth, NE. He was born May 24, 1925 in Elba, NE to Tim and Gladys (Nelson) Bates.
Jerry was a graduate of Ashland High School and the owner of Jerry’s Tire Service in Ashland.He was an active member of the Sesostris Temple in Lincoln, NE ,Comet Lodge #229 AF & AM Masonic Lodge and the Ashland United Methodist Church. Jerry had a strong love for music, he directed the Shrine Band and the Dance Band for many years. Jerry was a proud US Navy Veteran stationed on the USS Kitkun Bay during WWII receiving two purple hearts and served from Aug. 14, 1943 to Dec. 17, 1945. He was a 70 year member of American Legion Post #129 and played the bugle for their Honor Guard.
He is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Gary & Suzanne Bates of Baden, PA; four grandchildren, Katherine (Vincent) Salvi of Pittsburgh, PA, Elizabeth (Madna) Bates of Tinton Falls, NJ, Alan (Lisa) Bates of Portland, OR; and Lisa (Chris) Winkler of San Diego, CA; six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by wife Phyllis (Raikes), son, Philip; one sister and one brother.
Jerry, we will miss your smile, your friendship, and most of all, you. We enjoyed visiting with you at the Masonic Home. May God hold you in his hands as you begin conducting the Angel’s Band. Thank you for your service to the US in the Navy and to the Shrine as the Band Master. God Bless you and your memory.
Gary & family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all!
Indeed, I am saddened to learn that you’re mourning the loss of your dear love one. However, it saddens our God even more. No doubt, you have many fond memories which will resurface from time to time. And because you do have memories, certainly shows that almighty God has memories as well. Therefore, with full confidence you can take comfort in knowing that he longs to restore perfect life to all those in his memory (Job 14:13-15; Rev 21:3, 4). Please accept my condolences at this most distressing time.
Jerry was one of my dad’s (Jack Reece) best friends. When dad was so sick and in his last weeks, Jerry never missed a day stopping by to see and visit him. They grew up together and were in the Mason’s and Shrine together as well as in a pretty tight social group in Ashland. Jerry passed on the same day as dad, December 21. I played with Jerry in the Revelairs, a dixie/swing dance band. He played a sweet horn and was one of the best lead players I’ve every heard. Godspeed Jerry Bates!
Bill Scott when I was 10 years old and
jerry was 16, he taught me to play trumpet.
I have been active in music ever since and
think often of my days with jerry. great guy!
Really, the Ashland community lost a great deal when Jerry left it. So many of my growing up memories involved Jerry and his family and I am sad to lose yet another connection to Ashland.
My sincere sympathy to everyone in the Bates family over Jerry’s passing. He was a strong presence in so many ways and I know your loss is deep.
We were honored to take Mr. Bates on a WWII Honor Flight.
Evonne and I are sorry for your loss.
To all those of you that have sent your sincere messages to our family, Thank you.
My father will be missed by his family, friends and community. It is comforting to know he is in your hearts and memories.
Sincerely,
Gary Bates
Just found about your dad while searching Ashland. We had many good times together many years ago. Irene and I stopped to see him several years ago.