Robert James Bates

Beloved husband and father Robert James Bates, 82, passed away on January 19, 2012 in El Paso, Texas following a 3 year battle with cancer. Robert was born on March 6, 1929 in Wanette, Oklahoma to father Richard Perry Bates and mother Carmen Cordero. After attending high school in Aurora, Colorado, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Japan, Occupied German where he was a member of the 'Circle C Cowboys Constabulary Unit', Vietnam and as a Drill Sergeant in Fort Ord, California. After proudly serving his country for 28 years, he retired with full military honors and worked as an Officer for the EPISD Police Services until his retirement in 1997. Robert was an active member in the El Paso Gem and Mineral Society at the El Paso Memorial Senior Center where he served as an instructor at the lapidary shop. A very kind soul, Robert always had a smile on his face. He gave to everyone he could that was in need. He saw the good in everyone and everything and was a great lover of animals. Robert is survived by his 2 daughters, Patricia and Elke, brother Richard and sister in law Irene of Kentucky, son in law Paul, family in Germany, nieces and nephews and many many friends, to include all those from the 'rock shop', Eva Lewis and many more friends he met on the road of life. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Ilse, whom he met and married while stationed in Germany. He will be truly missed; his memory will never fade from our minds as his spirit will always be by our side. Losing him has left a hole in all of our hearts. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Robert James Bates Scholarship Fund, care of P.O. BOX 31516 El Paso, Texas 79931. Committal Service will be held at 10am, Tuesday, January 31, 2012 with Full Military Honors at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast.