Emmett Lewis Bates, 88, died December 1, 2019, at Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community, Buhler. He was born August 19, 1931, in Hutchinson, the son of Marion L. and Faye C. (Stewart) Bates.

Emmett served in the United States Army from 1949 to 1972.  He spent time in France, Korea, and Vietnam during the wars. After his retirement from the Army, Emmett was an active member of the Sylvia community and worked as Circulation Manager for the Hutchinson News for 10 years. He loved golfing, watching KU basketball and KC Chiefs football, playing cards with family, and morning coffee with his friends at the Legion.

Emmett was a member of Zenith Presbyterian Church, Gideons International, and American Legion Lysle Rishel Post #68.

On August 9, 1958, he married Betty L. Wilson in Colorado Springs, CO. They shared 61 years of marriage. She survives.

Also surviving are: sons, Ron (Sarah) Bates, Haslet, TX, Ken (Karen) Bates, Beaverton, OR, Ed Bates, Hutchinson; grandson, Ross Bates, Haslet, TX; stepgrandson, Damond Flowers, Hutchinson; great-grandson Beau Bates; sisters, Ina Sage, Wichita, Louise (Rick) Barham, Columbia, SC; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Emmett was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim Bates.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2019, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer's Association or Sunshine Meadows Retirement Community Memory Care Unit, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.