ELBRIDGE CAP BATES - OBITUARY

December 10, 1921 - July 31, 2004

Elbridge "Cap" Bates, died Saturday, July 31, 2004 in Sun Lakes, Arizona at the age of 82. He was born December 10, 1921 in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Elbridge Blanchard & Gladys E. (Campbell) Bates. Cap was a U.S. Army Air-Corps veteran of WWII serving as a fighter pilot and later, in the Air Force, as an officer and programming planner. He moved to Arizona in 1967 from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and worked 15 years as a pilot, photographer, fingerprint technician, evidence custodian and investigator for The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office in Prescott. He received many medals for his military service, including: The Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Bronze Star. Cap is survived by his wife, Eunice M. Bates; son, Bradford J. "Brad" Bates and a daughter, Bonita A. "Bonnie" Bates. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Bates. The funeral service will be 10 AM, Saturday, August 7, 2004 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 23914 S. Alma School Road in Sun Lakes, Arizona. Contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 9034 N. 23rd Ave., Ste. #8, Phoenix, AZ 85021-2850 have been suggested by his family. Arrangements by Bueler Mortuary.

Published in The Arizona Republic on Aug. 4, 2004.