June 1 1949 June 28 2019
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. He 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. He 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, Randy (Lisa) Bates of Norwalk, IA; two sisters Karen (Jeff) Pose of Chouteau, OK, Sherrie (Steve) Wignall of Albia, six nephews and six nieces – 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 with military rites provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose and Lovilia. The procession will leave the Tharp Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. 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 our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leonard Floyd Bates June 1 1949 June 28 2019.
Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory
Death notice for the town of: Albia, state: Iowa