W. Patrick Bates

W. Patrick Bates, age 76 of Bath Twp., Fairborn, passed away Wednesday February 24, 2021.  He was born November 18, 1944 in Portsmouth, OH, the son of the late Robert and Matty (Locke) Bates.

Pat served his country in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret during Vietnam; and followed with a career as a police officer, first for a short time in Billings, Montana, and the majority of his career with the Fairborn PD, retiring from Fairborn after over 30 years of combined public service.  He then went on to serve as a special education teacher at Fairborn High School and Clark County ESC.  Pat was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, New City Lodge No. 48, Fairborn.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Herbert Michael Bates; brother, Larry Bates; and a sister, Jackie Carpenter.  He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Vickie; six children, Aaron (Jenny) Bates, Zach Bates, Adina (Tracy) Young, Shannon (Jeff) Kennedy, Travis Bates, Ryan Bates; seven grandchildren, Gage, Chase, Allie, Cade, Brooke, Gabe, Sophia; three sisters, Karen Stewart, Pam Bates, Margo (Sam) Anderson; brother-in-law, Fred Carpenter; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday February 28, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at the Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, Pastor Aaron Chivington officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service.  The service will be streamed on Zoom for those unable to attend and the meeting ID and passcode will be available on the funeral home website.  The family will hold a private burial on Monday in Oak Hill, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the FOP, New City Lodge No. 48, Fairborn.