Robert (Bob) Allen Bates, 69, of Idaho Falls, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. He was under the care of Aspen Hospice.

Robert was born on November 7, 1953, in Ogden, Utah at the Hill Air Force Base to Wendell Albert and Joyce Watts Bates. He grew up in St. Anthony, Idaho where he attended South Fremont High School.

After graduation, he joined the United States Army on April 13, 1973. He was honorably discharged on September 12, 1978, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Once he was discharged from the Army, he went on to continue his education at Idaho State University and the University of Idaho where he studied electrical engineering.

On July 12, 1980, he married Dona Louise Mattson in St. Anthony, Idaho. He was previously married to Debra Powell.

Robert worked for the Department of Energy (now known as the INL) and retired in 2014.

He is survived by his wife, Dona Bates of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his daughter, Robin (David) Winterfeld of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his son, Robert Bates of Pocatello, Idaho; his son, Devin (Shelley) Bates of Tacoma, Washington; his son, Bradley Bates of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his daughter, Adrienne Bates (D Ellis) of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his sister, Lorele Beverland of Arco, Idaho; his sister, Dianna (Donny) Winegar of Parker, Idaho; his brother Shelby (Norie) Pead of St. Anthony, Idaho; his brother Casey Pead of St. Anthony, Idaho; 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce and Wendall Bates; his stepfather, Lee Pead; his brother, Burt Bates; his son, Brian Cole; his daughter, Joyce Staley; his granddaughter, Samantha Cole.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery in Rigby, Idaho. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.