Robert J. "Bob" Bates, age 75, passed away Friday May 27, 2011 in Ionia. He was born June 5, 1935 in Big Rapids the son of James and Juanita O. "Neta" (Muth) Bates. Bob graduated from Big Rapids High School. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958 and was honorably discharged. Bob spent his working career as a Forman in the manufacturing industry. Following retirement he wintered in Okeechobee, Florida for many years. Bob enjoyed the outdoors; he liked to fish, hunt and pan for gold, being rather successful at each. He has been a member of American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids and Post #175 of Saranac, MI. He is survived by a daughter, Cheryl (Tim) Glazier of Traverse City; a son, Randall Bates of Caledonia; 3 grandchildren, Samantha (Shaun Traylor) Glazier of Fife Lake, Devin (Janina Wagner) Glazier of Traverse City, Kayla Glazier of Traverse City; 3 great-grandchildren, Mason, Kohen, Trenton; a sister, Betty Tittsworth of Big Rapids; several nieces and nephews, and dear friend and companion for over 25 years, Audra Gregory of Ionia. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and 2 half brothers, John and Donald Cox. Funeral services will take place 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 1st at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral home in Big Rapids with the family greeting friends at the funeral home two hours prior to services. (11:00 a.m. to services at 1:00 p.m.) Burial will be at Pine Plains Cemetery with Military Honors provided under the auspices of American Legion Post #98 of Big Rapids.