Robert Charles Bates, 89, North Kansas City, MO, passed away January 6, 2012 at the Missouri Veteran's Home, Cameron, MO. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, January 9th at the McGilley Antioch Chapel where friends may call from 9-10 AM; private burial with Full Military Honors in White Chapel Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to NKC Schools Education Foundation or the Country Club Christian Church.
Bob was born May 1, 1922 in Excelsior Springs, MO to Leslie and Bessie Cauthorn Bates. He moved to North Kansas City in 1933 where he lived most of his life. Bob was a 1940 graduate of North Kansas City High School, attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, and was a 1950 graduate of the Kansas City School of Law. Bob served in the Air Force with Patton's army during World War II from 1942-47, and the Korean Conflict, 1950-1952. He began his professional career in 1952 with Kansas City Title Insurance and retired in 1982 as Executive Vice-President and General Counsel for Chicago Title and Trust Co. He served as President of the North Kansas City School Board from 1956-64 and was a founding member of the Old Pike Country Club. Bob served on the original board of General Hospital which later became Truman Medical Center. In Chicago, he served as Chairman of Hull House and following his retirement in 1982, as Chairman of the International Visitors Council of Kansas City from 1983-90. Bob loved golf, football, the title industry and Big Band music, especially Glen Miller. He was a member of the Country Club Christian Church and lived a life of high integrity, devotion to public education, community service and his family. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Claudia in 2010, his parents, and his 7 siblings, Leslie, Emily, Mary, Bill, Mildred, Annabelle and Juliet.
Survivors include his children, Jeff Bates (Susan), Cambridge, MA, Greg Bates (Karen), Leawood, KS, Sue Lowder (Craig), Mahopac, NY and Tom Bates (Helena), Kansas City, MO; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 13, 2012
So many good times. So many miles traveled together. So many business
problems solved. So many wonderful memories. We are blessed to have known Bob and Claudia and have them as close friends all these years.
Roger and Helen Bell
January 11, 2012
Debbie Talley
I send my deepest sympathy to all of you. My son, Alex, and I were recently talking about an evening I spent with Bob and Claudia, Perry and Iva Talley and Bruce. The Winnetonka Jazz Band held a concert and we were all sitting together enjoying the big-band music. Bob, Claudia, Perry and Iva were quite a busy group. All five have moved on and left us here to carry on. I find comfort when I look into the night sky and see the stars glowing; I like to think our loved ones have turned them on for us - to guide us along. My thoughts are with all of you.
January 10, 2012
Bob Bates was a statesman and a wonderful representative of the title insurance industry. He led well and served well. He was a mentor to many and a role model to all. This morning as i looked in the ALTA directory I came accorss Bob's name and thought to contact him this week. Then saw the announcement of his homegoing. Thank you Bob for leading our industry!
Malcolm S. Morris, Chairman
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
January 9, 2012
Greg & Karen:
Sorry for your loss. He was truly a member of the greatest generation. There a alot of similarities with my father. They gave us a great legacy.
Dwight Miller
January 9, 2012
James Wirken
Please accept my condolences with regard to the recent passing of your Father, Grandfather- Robert C. Bates.
May God be with you now and always.
Sincerely,
James C. Wirken
January 9, 2012
A gracious and wonderful gentleman and neighbor - my best to Greg, Karen and family. Curt Beerman
January 9, 2012
A wonderful person and friend we will miss him. John and Debbie Jorgensen
January 8, 2012
Bob
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Bates. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
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