Larry Stanley Bates, 78, of Ottumwa, died October 26, 2024 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
He was born April 15, 1946 at home in Ottumwa to Cecil Stanley and LaVilla May Waters Bates.
A 1964 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Larry served in the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam veteran. He worked 30 years as a heavy equipment operator for Wapello County Secondary Roads Department.
Larry enjoyed horse sales, auctions and was known for being a “trader.” He raised Belgian draft horses and mules. Larry had many friends in the Amish community and spent a lot of time in Davis County. Over the years, Larry enjoyed coon hunting, arrowhead hunting and his garden. Before his illness, he was a regular at Riverside for breakfast. He also enjoyed drinking beer at the Alpine Inn and visiting with his friends.
Surviving are his daughters, Julia (Jason) Blunt and Carmen (Jon) Enlow; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Mary Mott, Cheryl (Steve) Swift, and Christina Carroll all of Ottumwa, and Karen Bates of Eldon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Wayne Bates, Janet Murrell and Cecile Barnes.
His body has been cremated.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 31st at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion. The family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service.
Memorial may be made to Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars.
