He was a son, a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend.
Born on November 8, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA to Eleanor Blanche Bates (nee Sherman) and Andrew Edwin Bates, John was raised in Norristown, PA.
As a youth, John was active in the Boy Scouts. He always loved being outdoors. He enjoyed camping and hunting. John was also a history enthusiast. He was an expert at throwing tomahawk and knife. He built his own muzzleloader rifles in a basement in which he couldn’t stand up. He was one of the co-founders of Blue Ridge Rifles, Inc., a living history club, and president of the club for many years.
During the spring and fall, he enjoyed fishing for tuna with relatives and friends. He liked to attend boat shows in hopes of one day owning one. He took a course on captaining a ship just for that reason.
John was an M.P. in the U.S. Army 4th Training Regiment, Fort Gordon, GA.
John loved to be cooking at the smoker. He had this uncanny ability to mix together herbs as a dry rub for meats that was incredibly delicious. And after eating such meals, he would follow them with a single malt scotch and a cigar.
John loved to tell jokes, specifically Irish jokes. He was also well known for his storytelling ability, especially those stories of mischievous doings from his youth.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years Catherine A Bates (nee Rohs), by children Dawn M DePappe (nee Bates) and Ian K Bates (Suzanne) and by his grandchildren Nathaniel D DePappe, Kennedy S DePappe, Zoey R Bates, and Gwen L Bates.
A celebration of life will be held at the Limerick Garden of Memories Chapel of the Good Shepherd, 44 Swamp Pike, Limerick, PA 19468 on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 1:30 PM.
Family and friends may call at the Chapel on Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 PM.
Burial will be in Limerick Garden of Memories, Limerick, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The American Legion are greatly appreciated.
Arrangements by the Linwood W. Ott Funeral Home, Inc. 111 North Reading Ave. Boyertown, PA. 19512.
