Lloyd Merrill Bates

Lloyd Merrill Bates was born in Emporia, Kansas on December 19, 1930 to Madonna Jordan Bates and Chester Bates. He died on April 16, 2020 of complications from late stage Alzheimer’s disease. He was 89 years old.

Lloyd is survived by his two sons, Ken Bates and his wife, Deana of New Braunfels, Texas and Steve Bates and his wife Barb of Northglenn, Colorado and a daughter, Annette Pankoski and her husband, Danny of Soldotna, Alaska. Grandsons Johnny Bates, Jimmy Bates, Dustin Bates, Sean Bates and Grandaughter Susy Bates of Washington DC and Katy Pankoski and Lacey Pankoski of Soldotna, Alaska and 12 Great grandchildren.

He is also loved and admired by Carol Bates four sons and their families. Glyn Llewellyn (wife Margie Laverty) , Kevyn Llewellyn, Stevyn Llewellyn (wife Natsuko) and Tom Blake Kinney (wife Jennifer and family Cole Franson, Audrey Franson and Madison Kinney).

Lloyd lived on abandoned farms during the depression and came to Denver in junior high school. He graduated from West High School. He was Captain of the ROTC program there. He joined the Naval Air during the Korean War and served as Aviation Storekeeper Second Class. He flew between Buckley Airforce Base and Oakland, California during his time. He went to night school at the University of Colorado and studied accounting and business.

Lloyd was a general contractor at Lloyd Bates Construction Company and worked on many commercial projects around Denver for Hazelton Langley Construction including Brooke’s Towers, Dave Cook building, Furrs Cafeteria, Skating Rinks, Aspen Middle School and High School and Aspen Ballet Theater and Recreation Centers.

He was a member of the Adams County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse patrolling on horseback. He loved rodeo, team roping, wild cow milking and bull riding adventures.

He had three sisters who survive him Irene Walithalo, Shirley Adams, Charlotte Stout and brothers Durrell (wife Joyce) Carl, and Jerry (wife Debbie).

Lloyd is preceded in death by four brothers: Joe Bates, Ray Bates, Junior Bates and Ben Bates.

Lloyd was a member of Phillips Methodist Church in Lakewood, Colorado. He is at home with the Lord, Jesus Christ, now is at peace. We are all cherishing the memories we had with Lloyd . He was a remarkable man. I was blessed to be his wife for almost 16 years.

Carol W. Bates