Leonard Floyd Bates
Leonard Floyd Bates
Leonard Floyd Bates
June 1, 1949 – June 28, 2019
Albia, Iowa | Age 70
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Leonard Floyd Bates, age 70, of Albia, passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019, at his home in Albia due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and exposure to Agent Orange while in Vietnam. Leonard Floyd Bates came into the world June 1, 1949, the first child of Floyd and Ruth Polson Bates of Albia, IA.
Leonard graduated from Albia High School in 1967 and received many years of perfect attendance awards.
The US Army drafted Leonard in 1969, serving in Vietnam until being honorably discharged in 1975.
Leonard was employed at Clow for 28 years and retired from American Bottling.
Known for his intelligence and diligence, Leonard was the family historian and a father-figure to his siblings. Most of all he will be remembered for his sense of humor and kindness. He had the biggest heart, showing unselfish concern for his family and their happiness. He even cared for the neighborhood wildlife, buying groceries specifically for stray cats, dogs, birds and other wildlife. Leonard will be greatly missed by man and beast.
Leonard is survived by two brothers: Ron (& Barb) Bates of Albia, IA, and Randy (& Lisa) Bates of Norwalk, IA; two sisters: Karen (& Jeff) Pose of Chouteau, OK, and Sherrie (& Steve) Wignall of Albia, IA; six nieces and six nephews: Stacy Schell, Cindy Pose, Ryan Bates, Jeremy and Aaron Pose, Austin Bates, Seth and Tyler Wignall, Nerissa Bates, Kira Thye, Heather Weppler and Brooke Edmiston. Many more will miss Leonard including great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruth and Floyd Bates.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Leonard’s family present to greet family and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in rural Monroe County. The procession will leave the Tharp Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m.
Military rites will be provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose and Lovilia.
Memorials may be made to an animal shelter due to Leonard’s love of animals.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Leonard Floyd Bates please visit the Tharp Funeral Home Sympathy Store.
