Ben Bates, Benjamin Lee Bates, was born on December 29, 1934 in Topeka, KS to Chester and Madonna Rose Bates.  He lived on a dairy farm until the family decided to move to town.  Ben had one sister, six brothers, two step-sisters and one step-brother.

Ben married his high school sweetheart, Shirlie Bates.  They remained married for 65 years until his death on March 4, 2020.

Ben and Shirlie began their life together serving their Lord, Jesus Christ.  Some of their areas of service included pastoring youth at First Baptist Church of Derby, CO, Boys Brigade and Pioneer Girls, First Area Coordinators and Reps for the State of Colorado-CMA, and BBF Builders in Florida.  In their golden years, they were active at Seminole Baptist Temple (25 years).

Ben's life's work was floor covering, including hard surface, ceramic and all types of wall tile, Formica, and carpet.  Short-term, Ben enjoyed teaching his trade to students at Emily Griffith Trade School, Denver, CO.  Upon retirement, Ben and Shirlie moved to Springfield, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joe Bates of Northglenn, CO and Ray Bates of California and step-brother, Chester Bates, Jr. of Windfield, KS.

He is survived by  three children, Colleen, Carol, and Tom; three grandsons, Eli, Joe, and Chris, all currently living in Colorado; sister, Irene Bates, of Denver, CO; brothers Carl Bates of Littleton, CO, Lloyd Bates of Lakewood, CO, Durrel Bates of Littleton, CO and Jerry Bates of Johnstown, CO; step-sisters Shirley Adams and Charlotte Stout of Arkansas City, KS; his quarter horses, Shirlie's Dobermans, and lots and lots of rebels that chose to travel through life on two wheels.

Visitation will be held at Seminole Baptist Temple Monday, March 9, 2020 from 11:00-12:00 PM.  Funeral Service will follow directly after at 12:00 PM.