Robert Owen Bates

Robert O. Bates, 83, of Port Orchard, WA, died December 26, 2012 at St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA. Bob was born February 15, 1929 in Rogersville, MO to Perry and Leona Bates. The family moved to St. Ignatius, MT where he spent most of his earlier years. After serving 4 years in the US Navy, Bob started in the apprenticeship program at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA becoming a shipfitter for 27 years before retiring. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Signe Bates, of Port Orchard; son Rob Bates, of Port Orchard; sisters Alleen Sherrill, of Goodyear, AZ, Lee Hidle, of Las Vegas, NV, and Carley Barrett, of Spokane, WA; brother Wayne Bates, of St.Regis, MT; sister in law Reg Bates, of Port Orchard; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Gale and Ray Bates. A memorial service will be held 2PM, Saturday, Jan 5, 2013 at Rill's Tribute Center in Port Orchard, WA. Inurnment will take place at Sunset Lane Memorial Park. Please view and sign the online memorial at www.rill.com .