DeVerne Elroy Bates Obituary (1921 - 2015)

D. Elroy Bates, 93 years of age, of Beatrice passed away at the Homestead House in Beatrice Friday morning, April 10, 2015. He was born on September 18, 1921 in Beatrice to Perley and Minnie (Henneake) Bates Sr. and lived in Beatrice his entire life. Elroy served his country in the United States Army from September 26, 1939 until August 2, 1945. He served in the European Theater, landed in France 5 days following D-Day, and received the Battle Star. He and Lucille Churchill were married on June 21, 1941 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He had been employed at the Wilke Bakery from 1945-1967, and at Beatrice Concrete from 1967-1983. Elroy was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Beatrice and was a lifetime member of the VFW Club. He enjoyed crafts and gardening. Survivors include his daughter Betty Lou Bates of Wymore; grandsons Scott Bates and wife Linda of Beatrice, James Bates of Breckenridge, TX, Todd Bates and wife Connie of Beatrice, and Charles Sykes and wife Carol of DeWitt; 14 great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lucille (2012); son Bruce; brothers Perley Bates Jr. and James Bates; and sisters Fern Sebek, Elva Carpenter, and Leona Sorenson. Public graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the Hooker Cemetery, R. Adams, NE with Reverend Myron Meyer officiating. Military graveside services will be provided by the Bitting-Norman Post #27, American Legion. There will be no viewing or visitation. Sign Elroy's online guest book at www.ghchapel.com. These services are have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.