Robert C. Bates

Robert Charles Bates, 89, North Kansas City, MO, passed away January 6, 2012 at the Missouri Veteran’s Home, Cameron, MO. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, January 9th at the McGilley Antioch Chapel where friends may call from 9-10 AM; private burial with Full Military Honors in White Chapel Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to NKC Schools Education Foundation or the Country Club Christian Church.

Bob was born May 1, 1922 in Excelsior Springs, MO to Leslie and Bessie Cauthorn Bates. He moved to North Kansas City in 1933 where he lived most of his life. Bob was a 1940 graduate of North Kansas City High School, attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, and was a 1950 graduate of the Kansas City School of Law. Bob served in the Air Force with Patton’s army during World War II from 1942-47, and the Korean Conflict, 1950-1952. He began his professional career in 1952 with Kansas City Title Insurance and retired in 1982 as Executive Vice-President and General Counsel for Chicago Title and Trust Co. He served as President of the North Kansas City School Board from 1956-64 and was a founding member of the Old Pike Country Club. Bob served on the original board of General Hospital which later became Truman Medical Center. In Chicago, he served as Chairman of Hull House and following his retirement in 1982, as Chairman of the International Visitors Council of Kansas City from 1983-90. Bob loved golf, football, the title industry and Big Band music, especially Glen Miller. He was a member of the Country Club Christian Church and lived a life of high integrity, devotion to public education, community service and his family. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Claudia in 2010, his parents, and his 7 siblings, Leslie, Emily, Mary, Bill, Mildred, Annabelle and Juliet.

Survivors include his children, Jeff Bates (Susan), Cambridge, MA, Greg Bates (Karen), Leawood, KS, Sue Lowder (Craig), Mahopac, NY and Tom Bates (Helena), Kansas City, MO; 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.