Gregory Ryan Bates

Gregory Ryan Bates, 45, passed peacefully, Monday, May 26, 2025, after an extremely brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Melody Cook of Wooldridge, MO; fur babies Avvy and Wednesday; mother, Patricia Bates of Tilton, IL; father, David Bates, wife Linda of Boonville, MO; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that all love and will miss him dearly.

Greg was born in Springfield, Il, on July 30, 1979. Growing up the family moved many times from Illinois to Mississippi and around Mississippi. Then in 1993 moved to Boonville, to be close to his maternal family, where he graduated high school in 1997. He went to State Fair Community College then on to Linn State Technical College for a certification in Aviation Mechanics. Greg worked for CSX Railroad for several years, but eventually transitioned to working as a truck driver. His favorite job was working on a tow truck helping people in sticky situations. He worked for Nash’s Towing in Boonville, MO for over 10 years as well as I-70 Towing for a year in Columbia, MO. He finished his trucking career working as an Equipment Transport Driver for Equipment Share in Columbia. Greg loved his job and the people he worked with. He dedicated his working time to helping where he could and doing the best job he was able to do.

Growing up with a grandfather that flew fighter planes in Korea, Greg was a strong supporter of the military and loved military history. In 2002, Greg was introduced to WWII reenacting and found a truly rewarding hobby. Over the years he portrayed infantry then a vehicle driver, but eventually developed a display for the 2nd echelon mechanics. As a mechanic himself it brought great honor to display pieces and information to educate the public about these fine folks that kept the vehicles and equipment going throughout the war. He was a proud member of the 102nd Ozarks Division Reenacted. He was also a proud volunteer of the Museum of Missouri Military History In Jefferson City, MO, as well as a member of the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association in Boonville, MO.

Greg was an avid reader, supporter of our local libraries and literacy programs as well as local and unknown authors. He enjoyed gaming of all types including video games, board games and tabletop RPGs. He was a born mechanic and car guy, tinkering on his hot wheels to restoring cars in his shop. Over his lifetime it is hard to tally how many vehicles Greg restored or worked on, but his pride and joy is his 1942 Dodge Weapons Carrier that he restored and enjoyed for the last 17 years. He loved camping and exploring the outdoors. More than anything Greg was a family man and was always looking for opportunities to spend time with his family.

Greg leaves behind a legacy of kindness, a willingness to help anyone, a work ethic to be admired, and a smile and laugh that brought brightness to any day. If Greg touched your life, take that impact and continue spreading it out into the world so that those beautiful impacts continue in the world. We all know the world needs more people like Greg in it.

The family would like to thank the amazing team of doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Missouri Hospital. Thank you for treating the most important person to us so wonderfully and kindly. We cannot express how the care you gave made this experience much different than it could have been.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 26th, at 11am at the Brady Showgrounds in Boonvile, MO. In lieu of flowers or personal gifts, please consider making a donation to the Museum of Missouri Military History, any local veterans’ organization or museum, or local library in his honor.

Arrangements are in the care of Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery of Columbia. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com