Mr. Bruce Alan Bates
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Bruce's obituary
Bruce Alan Bates, age 62, passed away on January 27, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was born in Muncie, Indiana on July 29th, 1963.
Preceded in death by:
His father, Sidney Bates; his mother, Edna Ruth Bates; his first wife, Meranda Bates; and his brothers, Sidney G. Bates and David B. Bates.
Survived by:
His wife, April Bates; his son, Ryan Bates; his daughter, Jessica Bates, and her fiancé, Brandon Turner; his step-sons, Sean Elwood, Donovan Elwood, and Wyatt Hagerman; and his grandchildren, Colton Coon, Linkin Elwood, and Octavia Elwood.
He is also survived by his sister, Pat Robinson; his brother, Don Bates, and wife Melody Bates; and his sister, Susan Combs, and husband Paul Combs.
Services:
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Bruce’s departure has left an unfillable void in the lives of those he touched with his infectious spirit and unwavering love.
Born into this world with an unquenchable zest for life, Bruce lived every moment to its fullest. His favorite food was a hearty steak, which he enjoyed most when paired with a cold glass of his preferred beverage, iced tea. A man of simple pleasures, he found joy in the humble moments of life, never needing grandeur or spectacle to find satisfaction.
His enthusiasm extended to his love for sports, where his passion found a home with the Wildcats. A dedicated fan, he never missed a game and was often the loudest voice cheering them on from the living room couch or the stadium stands.
Bruce had a profound love for outdoor recreational activities - fishing being his favorite. There was a certain tranquility he found in the calm waters and the patience it required, reflecting his peaceful and perseverant nature.
Among his many passions, the one that stood out the most was his love for God and his family. A devout man, Bruce used his faith as a compass to navigate through life, consistently choosing love, compassion, and kindness. His commitment to his family was unparalleled, and he cherished each moment spent with them.
He leaves behind a legacy of love in his beloved wife, April Bates, who was his guiding light in every storm. She survives him, carrying forth his love for life and his ceaseless spirit.
As we bid farewell to Bruce Bates, we take with us the life lessons he taught us - to cherish moments, love unconditionally, stand strong in the face of adversity, and trust thy God.
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