William Edward Bates

William Edward Bates, 72, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 30, 2024, at EveryStep Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa.

William Edward Bates was born June 19, 1952, to Robert Keith and Myrtle India Etta Bates in San Bernadino, CA. He grew up in Rialto, California, and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1970.

He was drafted directly out of high school as a pitcher by the San Francisco Giants. He later played for the St. Louis Cardinals.

After his baseball career, he enlisted in the US Army and served our country from 1972 to 1974.

After serving in the Army, he attended San Bernardino Valley College and received an Associate of Arts degree as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He served as a counselor in California, Arizona, and Ottumwa, Iowa. He retired from Ottumwa Regional Health Center, Family Recovery Center.

He and Barbara Prevett were married in 2007. They lived in Ottumwa, Iowa, for many years and later moved to Ankeny, Iowa, due to health concerns. His love of music and guitars led him to open B Custom Guitar Shop, where he built and repaired guitars.

Several years ago, he received Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at Saylorville Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Keith Bates Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara Bates of Ankeny, Iowa; sons Travis Donovan (Afton) Bates Sr. and Grant William (Heidi) Bates. Grandchildren: Dylan Bates, Hayden Bates, Zahbreyna Bates, Grant Bates, and Travis Bates Jr., sister: Frances Eileen (Richard) Guntrum, stepsisters: Janice Price, Junella (Steve) Jones, Julie (Larry) Williams and stepbrother, Jim (Lyn) Williams. Stepdaughters: Lisa (Danny) Prevett Coury, Kim (Kurt) Prevett Ledger. Step grandchildren: Kimberly and Daniel Coury, Kelsey (Adrian) Ledger Rubey and Kayla (Austin) Ledger, step great-grandchildren: Landon Ralph and Owen Douglas Rubey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Saylorville Church. The family will greet friends one hour prior to services.

He was a faithful member of Saylorville Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and Gospel Centered Recovery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to (GCR) Gospel Centered Recovery and may be directed to Saylorville Church (6429 NW 6th Dr., Des Moines, IA 50313).

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