Robert J. Bates; of Clarkston; passed away on Sept. 3, 2024; at the age of 82. Reunited with his Late wife Judy Kaye Bates; father of Lori (Stephen) Evans, Melanie (Scott) Pace, and Brian (Trisha Cate) Bates; papa of Rachel (Wayne) Gonzales, Kristin (Nathan) Ogg, Jenny Evans, Eric (Jackie) Pace, Meghan (Andrew) Slot, Daniel (Kaitlyn) Pace, Keith Bates, and Kaley Bates; great papa of 10; brother of Michael (Debbie) Bates and Mary Helen Terpstra; brother in law of Cheryl White; Uncle of many; preceded in death by his wife and his parents John and Gladys Bates.
Bob was a hardworking man who had a dedicated 25 years in Law enforcement with the City of Pontiac. He retired as the Chief of Police with backgrounds in narcotics, polygraphs, the FBI Academy, BNDD (Bureau of Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs). He was also a 60-year member of the Mason Cedar Lodge (Lodge #60 Clarkston) and was the TN Lodge Postmaster. But most importantly, he loved his family. Nothing mattered more than his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be missed dearly.
A visitation took place for Bob on Sept. 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston. A Funeral Service was held on Sept. 7 at 12:30 p.m. at the Funeral Home. A luncheon will be held immediately following. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital. Please consider leaving a memory or condolence on Bob’s online guestbook at www.wintfuneralhome.com.