Thomas 'Tommy' Henry Bates

Thomas "Tommy" H. Bates was born on April 29, 1930, in Yakima, Washington, to K.P. Bates and Bertha (Grissom) Bates.

Thomas graduated from Yakima High School in 1949. During high school he was on the track, baseball, pole vault and football teams. He won medals in track and pole vault. Tommy was the only four-year letterman at Yakima High. He also played American Legion Baseball in 1947, the team won state runner-up.

In 1951, he enlisted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas and Manchester, Washington, as a radio operator. After the service, he worked at a warehouse for ten years. Tommy retired from Pepsi Cola, after 21 years, in 1987.

After a long research in the Salers Breed of cattle, he introduced them to the Yakima Valley, and raised them for 21 years. He was very proud of his herd.

At a young age, Tommy was an avid hunter and fisherman. His passion took him to Canada Mountains for moose and elk hunting and fishing.

Tom was one of the first to start the Tampico Rodeo grounds, and he rodeoed himself.

Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Celine Bates, three children, Deb (Jim) Dougan, of Yakima, Ted (Dee) Bates, of Selah, and Jerry, of Wisconsin, a stepson, Kent (Carolyn) Patnode, of Yakima, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a grandson, and his stepson, Eldon Patnode.

A Memorial Service is planned for April 29, 2023 at 11:00am at Holy Rosary Cemetery. Reception to follow at 12:00pm at Wiley Union Church (2711 Wiley Rd, Yakima).

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.

Graveside Service
Holy Rosary Cemetery
Saturday, April 29, 2023
11:00 AM
Holy Rosary Road
Moxee, WA 98936

Reception
Wiley Union Church
Saturday, April 29, 2023
12:00 PM
2711 Wiley Rd
Yakima, WA 98908