Raymond Dale Bates

“Ray D. Bates, 88, of Menifee, CA Entered Into Eternal Rest on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Reche Canyon Rehabilitation and Care Center in Colton, CA. Ray was born on April 11, 1929, in Topeka, Kansas, to the late Chester and Madonna Bates. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother, Joe. He is survived by his beloved wife, and devoted caretaker, of twenty-one years, Gail, and his children: Linda Ward and Terri Lim, both of Denver, CO. He is also survived by three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister Irene Walitalo, and five brothers: Carl, Lloyd, Durrel, Ben, and Jerry. He is also survived by four step-children: Steve, Gwen, Holly, Robert, eight step-grandchildren, and one step-great-grandson. Ray served in the US Navy during World War II for two years, and was a licensed pilot. He was also an undefeated boxer and loved to dance. He retired from the Crane Operators Union where he was a Crane Engineer for more than fifty years where he built the Getty Center in Los Angeles, the Hemet Dam, and the Pala Gambling Casino in Riverside County. Memorial services will be held at Revivial Chrstian Fellowship in Menifee, CA on Monday, January 29, 2018 at 10AM. Interment with full Military honors will follow at 12:30PM. Riverside National Cemetery. 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA.”, “”