Loren Gail "Mike" Bates Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On Saturday, July 30,2022, Loren Gail “Mike” Bates, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at the age of 84 after a long illness. He was born on August 28,1937 to the late Raymond and Ottelia Bates. He spent his early years employed by the Department of Highways. He was a self-made man and spent his days on his beloved farm. Mike was happiest when he was working his tractors and other farm equipment. He baled hay, grew tobacco, and raised beef cattle. In addition to being a dedicated family man, he developed rental property including “Bates Mobile Home Park” providing a safe place to live for many. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Raymond Cline Bates; sister-in-law, Carolyn Bates Miller; foster brother, Herbert Cyril Elkins(Georgia). He is survived by his wife, Carole Martin Bates of West Hamlin; daughter,Kelli Harries ( Paul) of Lexington ,KY; son, Loren Keith Bates ( Kerry) of Branchland; six grandchildren, Grant, Victoria, and Gabriel Bates of Branchland; Rachel, Megan, and Lauren Harries of Lexington, KY; nephew, Douglas Cline Bates (Mary) of Nottingham New Hampshire. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. Friday, August 5, 2022 at McGhee-Handley Funeral Home, West Hamlin, WV. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon and conclude with graveside services at Green Valley Cemetery.

Loren Gail "Mike" Bates

August 28, 1937 - July 30, 2022