George Richard Bates, 94, of Ephrata, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2015, at Fairmount Homes Inc.

He was born in Reinholds to the late Charles and Edna Mae (Hagen) Bates and was the husband of the late Pauline (Shimp) Bates, who passed away in 2008.

He was a member of the Swamp Christian Fellowship where he was a Deacon, and a long time member of the Reinholds Lions Club. He was an avid golfer.

George served as a Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Force during WWII, where he flew 31 missions over Germany in a B17. He worked as a Foreman for Alcoa, Lancaster, for 29 years and retired in 1983.

George is survived by 2 daughters, Bonita "Bonnie", wife of Roy Stoll of Leola, and Marcia J., wife of Lloyd Witt of Georgetown, KY; 4 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Simon, Charles and Harry Bates; and 2 sisters, Margaret Groff and Ernestine Bates.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at the Roseboro Stradling Funeral Home, 533 Walnut St., Denver, where funeral services will follow at 1:30 pm, with Pastor M. Craig Snow officiating. Interment will take place in the Swamp Cemetery.

Military Honors will be accorded by the Red Rose Honor Guard.

Arrangements by Roseboro Stradling Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Denver.