William R. Bates

William Russell Bates, 70, of Palmyra , passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 27, 2013 at his beloved mountain house in Benton .  He was born Tuesday, March 23, 1943 in Lebanon to Betty ( Ferguson ) Coleman and the late William E. Bates.  He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Cheryl A. (Kaufman) Bates.

He graduated from Palmyra High School in 1961, retired from Metropolitan-Edison Company, and was an active member of Lebanon Valley Bible Church .  He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and listening to music or sports on the radio.  Most of all he loved spending time with his beloved grandchildren.

He is survived by a son, David S. Bates and wife Luisa of Lebanon; a daughter, Cindy A. Kern and husband Christopher of Wernersville; six grandchildren, Sarah Kern, Daniel Bates, Ellie Kern, Alexander Kern, Lydia Kern, and Nathaniel Bates; a sister, Barbara Koch; two brothers, Wayne T. Bates and Robert L. Bates; step father, Brad Coleman of Campbelltown; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and an aunt.  He was predeceased by a sister, Carole Hertzog.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, January 2nd at 11 AM at Lebanon Valley Bible Church , 1482 Horseshoe Pike , Lebanon , PA 17042 with Pastor Chandler Cutting and Pastor John Hunt officiating.  Family and friends are invited for viewing from 9 AM until time of the service at the church.  Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park , Annville.  Rothermel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 West Pine Street , Palmyra , PA 17078 has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Lebanon Valley Bible Church .  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.rothermelfuneralhome.com