BOMBER MEMORIAL

ROGER DENNIS BATES ^SR ~ Class of 1966 Honorary
April 28, 1948 - April 8, 2024



Roger Dennis Bates ^Sr, 75, of Benton City died April 8, 2024 at Chaplaincy Hospice Care in Kennewick.

He was born in Sunnyside on April 28, 1948 and lived in Benton City for 50 years.

His brother is Vern Bates ('60).

Roger attended school with the Class of 1966 at Richland's Columbia High School prior to his family moving to Benton City his senior year.

He and Gail Rapp were married on November 15, 1975. The marriage ended in a divorce on September 15, 1983.

He and Judy Carter were married on May 18, 2007.

Roger was a former police officer and chief of the Benton City Police Department, a volunteer firefighter and EMS for Benton County Fire District 2.

Written by his wife, Judy:

Many of you have asked me if Roger had given his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Over about a year ago I asked Roger if he had a Bible and his answer was, "No." I asked if he would like one in red letter and large print? His answer was a quick, “Yes.” I asked him if he would like to sit with me while I read a few chapters each day out of the Bible and his answer was, “Oh yes.” That started our home worship in the morning and evening when possible. He listened intently to every word and at the end we always said The Lord's Prayer. He was anxious to learn every word.

Then the seizures started, and the dementia raised its ugly head. He could no longer remember words. So I slowed down and read with more expression and instead of repeating after me he said the words as I said them. Then he just listened and when I finished a chapter he would ask if I would read another chapter. He would listen quietly, and I thought he was asleep. When I finished, he opened his eyes with tears and said, "That was beautiful." I asked him if he loved Jesus and he answered, "Yes." I asked him if he believed Jesus was the Son of God and he died on the cross for our sins then he rose on the third day and he is alive today? Did he believe in the second coming and that he was saved? His answer to each question was tearfully, “Yes.”

I believe we will see Roger again, no matter what events happened at the end of his life. Unfortunately, dementia can be a very disabling thing and the patient has no idea what his actions are doing. Now he is with Jesus in his loving arms.

Rest in Peace, Roger, until we see you again! I love you. Judy.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11am on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Victory Christian Church located at 313 3rd Street in Benton City.

Life Tributes Cremation Center in Kennewick is in charge of arrangements. Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book.

Published in the Tri-City Herald on April 11, 2024.

Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).