Leroy Arlo Michael Bates

Leroy Arlo Micheal Bates, 84, of Jemison, Alabama, formerly a long time Missouri resident, passed away January 29, 2020 at UAB, Birmingham, AL. following a short illness. He was born November 10, 1935 in Huggins, Missouri, the oldest son of the late Arlo James Bates and the late Edith Gay Cunningham. He is survived by his wife Ellen Bates; Brother, Lester Bates of Huggins, MO; Daughters, Donna (Nolan Mace) Stenger of Springfield, MO, Patti Niebruegge of Plato, MO, and Lea Ann Lemoine of Plato, MO; Son, John (Jennifer) Bates of Winter Haven, FL; Step-son, Michael (Jennifer) Englebert; and Step-daughter, Donna (Joseph) Hagadorn; Granddaughters, Carla Stenger Randall and Brandi Niebruegge Couch; Grandson, Kelley Niebruegge, Jeremy Niebruegge, Chad Bates and Jordan Bates; Four Great-Grandchildren; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins; and a host of friends who will sadly miss him. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Arlo James Bates and Edith Gay Cunningham; Previous wives, Marjorie Camilla Fulks and Norma Delores Bates; Son, Anthony Bates; Granddaughter, Amanda Stenger; Sister, Gaylene Morehouse; Sister-in-law, Venita Bates; and Step-son, David Englebert. He professed his faith in Christ many years ago and regularly attended the church he was member of throughout his life. He pastored the Competetion Baptist Church for 28 years after retiring from a career working for the Department of Army as a Civil Service employee at Fort Leonard Wood, MO from 1957 to 1988. After retirement he enjoyed organizing and teaching a school sponsored by the Competition Baptist Church. He was very active in the voluntary fire department being available at all hours to assist and lead efforts to save community members lives and homes. He was a born leader and supported the community where he lived however he could. He was a lover of animals and always had several types of donkeys, dogs, cats, horses, chickens, turkeys and goats. As a younger man, he loved playing basketball and baseball. He played thousands of games of checkers and chess with friends; lots of board games with his kids and grandkids; an many games of Hand and Foot with Ellen. He had a very competitive spirit and was generally not a good loser, if he by chance did not win...passing along this trait to most of his kids and grandkids. Leroy and Ellen were active members of Mars Hill Baptist Church where he occasionally preached. However, the most important fact to remember about Leroy's life is that he did his best to live the life that Christ would want, shared his faith as the bible ask us to do, and that he will be in Heaven to greet us in the future! Friends will be received Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Mars Hill Baptist Cemetery. Services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2020, at 11:00 am. at Mars Hill Baptist Cemetery with William Short, Pate Huggins officiating. Interment will follow in Mars Hill Baptist Cemetery, Jemison, Alabama. Martin Funeral Home directing. You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com.