Steven E Bates

     Steven E. Bates, 75, of Elk Creek, passed away August 26, 2016 in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He was born to  Keith and Ethel (Kavanagh) Bates on Feb. 18, 1941 in Tecumseh, NE. He grew up in the small town of Elk Creek, attending Kindergarten and first grade at Tecumseh, 2nd and 3rd grades at Elm Creek and fourth grade through graduation at Elk Creek High School in 1959. He served his country as a submariner for the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963.

   He was married to Carolyn Gates in 1966.  The couple later divorced.   Steve was a Lincoln firefighter for Station #6 for 29 years.   In retirement, Steve purchased a motor home and enjoyed camping and traveled to Texas for many years, as well as camping locally.   He was an avid Husker Football fan and especially enjoyed tailgating for many years as well as watching the History Channel.

   He is survivors by his daughters, Holly Benes and husband Dale of Douglas and Pam Patton and husband George of Lincoln, grandchildren Shallin Benes, Daxin Benes and Wilhelmina Patton, brother, Donald Bates and wife Glenda of Elk Creek, sister, Barbara Schultz of Lincoln and nieces and nephews.

   Steve was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Maudie Wheeler, brother-in-law, Andy Schultz and nephew, Drew Schultz. 

   Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, with Rev. Ken Tubbesing officiating.  Visitation will be from 9-8 Tuesday with family greeting friends 6-8 p.m.  Memorials may go the family’s choice.  Inurnment will be in the Mt. Hope Cemetery, rural Elk Creek, with military honors by the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Team and the Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek.  Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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