Gene Alan Bates

Gene Alan Bates, age 78, passed away on February 14, 2026. He was born at home on June 13, 1947, in Provo, Utah, to Paul Warr Bates and Mildred Davis. He married Joylene Beck of Alpine, Utah, on April 16, 1971, in the Salt Lake City Temple, after meeting on a blind date only four months prior. After ten years of hoping and waiting, they were blessed with their only son, Josh, who became the center of Gene’s world.

Gene will be remembered as a quiet, gentle, and deeply loving man whose steady presence brought comfort and strength to those around him. He possessed a creative spirit and found fulfillment in working with his hands, always finding joy in building, fixing, and bringing ideas to life.

His greatest love was his family, whom he cherished above all else. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with those he loved. His faith was central to his life and shaped the way he lived and served others. One of the defining experiences of his early life was serving a mission in the Oakland California Mission from 1966 to 1968. He continued his lifelong devotion to his church through many callings, but his favorite was teaching Sunday School to the youth, where his gentle nature and thoughtful perspective left a lasting impression on those he taught.

Gene found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved camping, fishing, hunting, shooting, and spending time outdoors. He had a deep interest in working on boats, motorcycles, and cars, and was always immersed in projects around the house. He also enjoyed keeping aquariums, patiently maintaining and caring for them over the years. He enjoyed relaxing with sci-fi movies and treasured the companionship of his pets.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joy Bates; his son, Josh Max Bates (Jennifer Putman); his grandchildren, Max and Vivian Bates; and his brother, Steven Bates. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Warr Bates and Mildred Davis, and his brother, Dennis Bates.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Peachwood Stake Center (3963 S Peachwood Dr., West Valley City, UT 84119). A viewing will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and prior to the funeral on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., both at the Peachwood Stake Center.

Interment will follow the services at Elysian Burial Gardens (1075 E 4580 S, Millcreek, UT 84117).

Gene will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. His quiet strength, gentle heart, and unwavering love will remain a lasting legacy in the lives of those he touched.

If you wish to send flowers, please have them delivered to Memorial Murray Mortuary at 5850 South and 900 East, Murray, Utah 84121 no later than 12:00PM on Monday February 23rd, 2026.

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