Richard A. Bates, 91

February 07, 2016

Richard A. Bates, 91, of Brethren Village, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016. Born in Steubenville, OH he was the son of the late John L. and Frances (Poague) Bates. He was married to Margaret “Peggy” Bates for over 65 years.
He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve and later received a Master’s degree in Accounting from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Richard spent most of his professional career in various executive positions at Raymark/Raybestos Manhattan for over 27 years.
Richard served in the US Army during WWII at Oakridge in Atomic Energy.
He was an active longtime member of the Lancaster Church of the Brethren where he served on the finance committee for several years.
Richard enjoyed bowling and was an avid bridge player.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Richard L. Bates husband of Karen L. of Asheville, NC. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kelly Sechrist, Alexis Sechrist, Logan Lyngaas, Britney Bates, Saresa Bates and Zonell Bates; a brother John Bates husband of Mary Bates of Cleveland, OH and a son in law, John Sechrist. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra L. Sechrist.
Funeral Services will be held at 1:30PM on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the chapel of Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA. Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the chapel on Saturday. Interment will be private in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery, Millersville. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard’s memory may be made to Christ Children’s Home, 3118 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, PA 17562.