Scott R. Bates, a loving father, proud grandfather, and respected member of the Alliance community, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at his home. He was 73 years old.
Scott was born on October 11, 1950, to George E. and Berniece (Coleman) Bates in North Platte, Nebraska. The family moved to Hemingford in 1951 where he spent his elementary school years. His family would later move to Alliance in 1961, where he graduated from Alliance High School in 1969. Following graduation, Scott enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country during the Vietnam War as a weapons mechanic. His service included a one year tour of duty in Vietnam and he was honorably discharged on December 14, 1973. He was proud to be a veteran and was extremely honored to receive the Quilt of Valor on July 4, 2022.
On June 20, 1970 he married Linda C. Nuss in Alliance and to this union his two children, Eric and Shay were born.
Following his military discharge, Scott returned to Alliance and attended college in Scottsbluff before attending and graduating from the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1977. He then returned to Alliance and began his career alongside his father at Bates-Landa Funeral Home. He was dedicated to providing compassionate care to grieving families during their most difficult times and spent over 40 years doing so.
Outside of work, Scott had a passion for cars, frequently trading and enjoying a new car. He held a private pilot’s license, had a love of aviation and found solace in flying. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and cherished moments spent camping and boating at the lake with his family or attending his grandchildren’s activities. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren.
He was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the Eagles Club, and the National and Nebraska Funeral Director’s Associations.
He is survived by his children and their families, Eric and Beth Bates of Alliance and their children, Brooke (Evan), Ethan and Luke, and Shay and Gerald Armstrong of Lincoln and their children, Aden, Anna, Lilli and Nora; and his children’s mother, Linda Bates of Alliance. He is also survived by his brother, David Bates of Yuba City, CA; his sister, Georgia (Jon) Lauterbach of Tampa, FL; his niece, two nephews, and many extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister-in-law, Judy Bates.
A celebration of Scott’s life will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. Mother Kim Culp and Father Bryan Ernest will officiate. Burial with military honors will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. with the family being present to greet friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 430, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, or the Alliance Bulldog Backpack Program, 820 W. 9th Street, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.